All Chapters of By Order of the King: Chapter 111 - Chapter 114

Iona stopped outside the kitchen door and hesitated. She wasn't ready to face anyone yet.She wiped her eyes carefully and waited for the moisture to dry. Then she stepped inside, removed her cape, hung it on its hook, and went straight to her usual spot at the vegetable-peeling corner without a word.No "Good morning." Not today.It wasn't a good day—it was one of the worst she could remember.A few heads turned. The others looked at her in mild surprise, confused by her absence of the usual greeting. But no one asked questions. No one said a word. They returned to their work.Iona sat in the low chair and began peeling vegetables. A task that had now become a routine in her daily life, yet she felt discomfort; something inside her felt off. It had started low, like a whisper just below the ribs, and then spiraled up, wrapping around her throat and making it difficult to swallow. Her mouth was dry. Her throat tasted like copper and sorrow.She hadn't eaten, but she didn't care—her ap

Iona loosened her grip and stepped back—just enough to breathe on her own again. Her gaze didn't immediately find his. Instead, she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, cheeks tinged with pink. Not regret. Just realization."That was impulsive," she murmured. "I didn't plan it… it just happened."Dougal's eyes didn't waver. He moved close enough for his warmth to linger between them, but he didn't touch her."You're allowed," he said softly. "You can be spontaneous with me whenever you want."There was something in his voice—tender and teasing—that lifted the corners of her mouth without permission."So," he asked gently, "are we still going for that walk?""Yes," she said. "Do you have something in mind?""Of course." His smile tugged at one side of his mouth. "And we're exactly where we should be. From now on, we'll continue together.""I promised my father I'd be back before sunset," she said."Don't worry. We will be."Somehow, she believed him. She didn't know why, but t