“Then what is?”I don’t have an answer I can say aloud. There is nothing I can put into words that would sound fair, or appropriate.“I’ve read the reports,” she goes on. “I know what we’re dealing with. If it’s a real threat, then you need every capable guard with you. Leaving me behind doesn’t mak
KaineThe Queen summons me just after sunrise. Her guards are already stationed outside her private audience room by the time I arrive. They step aside without a word and I enter alone.She’s seated at the head of the room, a long line of morning light falling across the polished floor. Her expressi
EmberThe energy within the palace has changed. Everyone moves with more urgency, and there is tension palpable in the air.There’s a new urgency beneath everything. Even the way people speak has changed. People are quieter, more curt. There is a sense of strain in the palace, like we’re all waiting
KaineThe palace staff has always been aware that a female guard walks the halls. The guards, the maids, and attendants have watched her move through the ranks, whispering when she passes. Now everyone at court knows as well. The story spread with startling speed. The female guard who stepped in be
Back in my office, I throw myself into work. I reorganize logs, reassign junior guard schedules, and write a detailed incident report from memory. It helps. Keeping my hands busy forces the echo of the King’s voice out of my head.Nara is angry at the King’s handling of the situation. “He didn’t eve
EmberMy presence is requested before I can settle in my office the next morning. A junior guard knocks once, tense in the doorway, and hands me the parchment without a word. He turns and leaves before I can ask anything.I recognize the royal seal immediately.The King has summoned me.I read the