Lucien's POV
The marble steps leading up to the palace felt colder than the morning. Astrid, clad in a white cloak, walked by my side with her chin held high and her eyes sharp.
As we passed through the bronze doors and entered the throne hall, we saw guards stationed along the walls and the King seated below the crest, his gaze intense and still.
We dropped to one knee and bowed our heads. “Your Majesty,” I greeted. Astrid repeated my words, her voice tight.
“Rise,” the King nodded, his voice filling the hall without effort. “General Lucien. Lady Astrid. You will both lead troops to the northern field.”
I rose and kept my eyes on him. “We are ready to follow your commands.”
His gaze remained stern. “Border packs have joined with rogues. They are testing our defenses for a revolt.
