63 ~ Epilogue 2: Abdication of the King

(Kaan's POV)

“I’m stepping down.”

We are at my parents' mansion, currently enjoying a bountiful Christmas dinner when my father invited me to his office for a glass of whiskey.

He said those three words right when I'm drinking and I almost choked. As it is, I started coughing and my eyes watered from the effort to clear my throat.

“What the—what do you mean you’re stepping down!?”

My father only chuckles and raises his glass, watching me turn pale as I realize he’s not joking.

“Dad—”

He turns his back on me and faces the window. “I want to travel the world without the weight of my people on my back. To really feel the sand under my feet when we go south or the cold breeze on my face as we head north… To dance with your mother while I still can.” He turns to look at me with raised brows. “I do believe you are ready now. And dear Raya will be there to help you.”

“Dad, I…”

“Kaan, I want to live before my time in this world is over.”

What do I even say to that? How do I refuse when I know