Arthur's POV
The council meeting had ended hours ago, but I still couldn’t shake the tension coiling in my chest like a live serpent. Every instinct I possessed screamed at me—keep your distance, Arthur. Keep him safe. Keep yourself in control.
But Daniel…
He had been on my mind since the moment I set my eyes on him. That impossible kiss haunted me, every touch, every tremor, every defiance. My body remembered what my mind tried to suppress. My lips still tingled. My chest ached with want I could not name.
And now, the palace was alive with whispers. I had heard the rumors even before entering the kitchen. The Servants, Lady Selena, even the cooks—they all stared at him. They were talking about us. About me. About him.
I slammed my hand against the edge of the desk, the sharp crack e
