Chapter 29 – Whispers Beneath the Stars
The banquet hall had emptied hours ago, yet Aelion remained restless. The laughter and music still echoed in his head, along with the sting of every false smile from the nobles who had pretended to support him. He stood alone at the balcony, overlooking the quiet gardens bathed in moonlight. The air was cool, carrying the fragrance of roses. But Aelion’s chest felt heavy, tight with the weight of expectation. He was no longer just the sheltered prince—he was heir to a throne balanced on fragile trust. “Your Highness.” The familiar voice was low, steady. Aelion turned, his heart already knowing who it was. Kealen. The bodyguard stepped onto the balcony, silent as always, but tonight his presence was different—more human, less soldier. The moonlight traced the sharp lines of his face, s
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