Before Heiko could reply, King Paul himself entered, supported by two guards. The entire chamber fell into stunned silence.
He looked frail — far from the powerful ruler they all knew — but his presence alone silenced dissent.
“You need not argue on my behalf,” he said weakly, but firmly. “The Council is right.”
Heiko turned to him, shock written across his face. “Father—”
Paul raised a trembling hand. “Listen to me, son. This was always the plan. You are mated, with an heir on the way. The kingdom must see its future before the storm arrives.”
Heiko’s throat worked, words trapped behind emotion. “You’re not—”
“I am,” Paul interrupted gently, but his tone left no room for denial. “And soon, I won’t be. But I will go knowing the realm is in your hands — and hers.”
His eyes turned to
