_Maelis's POV_
Five days remained before the Crown decided whether Rowena could walk out of Moonreign for good.
I had spent the past several days restraining myself. Each time I acted, Rowena had been ready with records, witnesses, or royal protection. Pressing her carelessly again would only strengthen her case.
But restraint did not mean blindness.
Moonreign was bleeding resources and capable people while my grandson behaved as though filing an appeal counted as fighting for his marriage.
I found him in his study shortly after I learned that Stella had chosen to follow Rowena.
He stood behind his desk, staring at the closed door. The black-silver restraint around his wrist caught the afternoon light—a King's chain on a Varkos Alpha in his own territory.
Humiliating.
"Are you goin
