Asher’s POVOnce again, it was time for the weekly council meeting. After what had happened last week, I wanted to call it off as I was yet to calm down my wolf which was still raving inside of me.“I can disperse the council if you want." Talen said like he was reading my mind. “Instead of doing that, a warning should be sent as I’m not going to tolerate their excesses today." I growled, slamming shut the file I had just endorsed before passing it to Talen.The atmosphere in the council hall was heavy. I could feel the tension that was brewing inside and even when the fireplace was crackling with fire and the morning sun was spilling through the stained glass window, the hall was cold. Today, the defiance in the eyes of the members had switched to that of reverence as they all had their heads bowed. Ignoring their greetings, I made my way to the head of the table and then claimed my seat before running my eyes around the hall.The first elder who was confident to lock eyes with m
Reader’s POVThe air inside Palmer’s apartment was calm. The curtains were drawn, as soft amber light which was spilling from the chandelier overhead casted muted shadows across the marble floor. Hudson sat stiffly on the edge of the couch, his body still, but his mind was racing with different thoughts. For the past few days, he had not been himself. Something had been gnawing at him for days now and for the first time since he returned to the palace, he felt threatened. Rumors never get to him but as always, the palace was a breeding ground for secrets and this one clung to him like smoke.Meanwhile, Palmer stood by the liquor cart, pouring himself a drink with the ease of someone in complete control while Hudson watched him. His sharp jaw, composed demeanor and his ever calm eyes that never gave anything away left Hudson more confused. “I told you to leave a few days ago, why are you still here?" Palmer swirled around to face him, placing his glass against his lips.“I have no
141Asher’s POVHow come Miller knew about this? — The question kept ringing in my head but the search for the answer was for a different day. Before Aurora dropped by, it was the exact thought that was ringing in my head, the relationship between Palmer and Rolan.“What are you going to do?" Aurora asked and once again, I tightened my grip on her shoulder."I will handle it, you don't have to worry.” I said with a reassuring tone but she wouldn't buy it. The fear and panic was still dancing in her eyes.“If Palmer is the threat, we are in for a lot of trouble. During these months that he had been in the council and frequented the floor of the palace, he must have learnt a lot of secrets that he can use against us.” I pressed on, hoping she was going to understand the danger it involves."That's why I want to help you. I can't leave Palmer alone for you to handle, I already have a personal vendetta against him…” "I will solve that for you.” Seeing that Aurora wasn't going to give up
Aurora’s POVThe note I had received from Miller carried a lot of weight that left me on the edge. Ever since I read it, I haven't been the same. Her message was short, but it rattled me to the core.The paper lay at the edge of my bed, still folded as if it was mocking me. As for me, I sat at the head of my bed, my arms wrapped tightly around myself.I was staring at it as if it was diseased, like it might suddenly sprout out fangs and bite me. She had said that Hudson was not the main threat, that he was being used and the real danger was working closely with the King.That line had been circling my mind like a cloud I couldn’t escape. Every time I tried to think straight, it returned, each time darker and louder.I had gone through every possibility, every name and every face that lingered around the palace, trying to pinpoint who exactly was the culprit. But I kept returning to two names; Elder Jared and Talen. To the best of my knowledge, they were closer to Asher than any oth
Gavin’s POV“You know what, do what you want." Elise huffed, crossing her hands on her chest. Taking a deep breath, I bit my lower lips as I rubbed my temple which had been aching non stop. For the past half an hour, Elsie and I had been standing in the middle of our room, yelling at each other with no one ready to back off. The argument had left a bitter taste in my mouth. She kept accusing me of drifting away, of breaking the bond we once celebrated like it meant the world. Maybe it really meant the world to us back then but not anymore and each time she says I’ve changed, I don't bother denying it because she was right.The last time Asher stormed into my Kingdom, I felt like I had lost everything I was living for. Aurora was nowhere to be found, she had vanished without a single trace then. But now she was back and ever since the news got to me, my thoughts kept revolving around her like a planet stuck in her orbitBefore now, I had fought the pull, I had tried to push her ou
Aurora’s POVIt had been a week since Miller had been requesting to see me but each time I was informed, Mira already turned her down.Mira was furious when she learnt I was the one who made Asher exonerate her of all the evil she had done, so she said.But today, it was different. I was going to see Miller against her wish. Standing a few feet away from the door, I smoothed my gown down for the fifth time, staring at my reflection in the full length mirror. I don't know why I felt nervous, it wasn’t a formal event, just a meeting with Miller in the reception room. Thinking about it frayed my nerves as my hands trembled slightly. I had been adjusting the gold pins on my hair for a while now. Across me was Mira, she had her arms folded, her expression, a mix of suspicion and disapproval.“You shouldn’t go,” she said again, this time with more urgency than the last. “Miller doesn’t deserve your kindness, not after everything she has done.” She pressed on. I sighed, turning to face