Livia nodded, still unable to speak, her heart full of gratitude and disbelief. She never thought she would hear such words, let alone from the King himself. For the first time in years, she felt a glimmer of hope.
Markus stood, his hand lingering on her shoulder for a moment before he stepped back. “One of my guards will escort you back to your place. Rest, Livia,” he said softly. “You’ve been through enough for one day.”
As he turned to leave, Kaius lingered for a moment, giving her a small, reassuring smile. “He meant every word,” he said quietly. “You deserve this. And I am sorry I didn’t do anything earlier.”
Then he followed his father out, leaving Livia alone with her thoughts and a heart that, for the first time in years, felt lighter.
In the hallway, Kaius looked at his father
