The heavy iron gates of the royal palace groaned as they were pulled open, the sound echoing through the courtyard as Valex rode inside. The perimeter guards immediately straightened, bowing their heads in unison, though their eyes instinctively darted to the figure riding behind the King. Azure kept her face buried against Valex's back, her hands tight around his waist.
As the horse came to a halt in the center of the stone courtyard, the servants and kitchen staff began pouring out from the lower levels, their faces bright with a sudden, desperate hope. Rumors had traveled faster than the horses; everyone believed the King had finally brought Queen Odesse home.
Deep within the servant quarters, Cara had been sitting silently in a wooden chair, her hands raw from twisting her apron. The door burst open, and two younger servant girls rushed past, their voices loud with excitement.
