Katherine’s POV
Stephen walked ahead while I followed, and the guards behind us didn’t miss a single step. We left the Royal Citadel and moved toward a large building made of grey bricks. It wasn’t far, just across the courtyard, but the walk felt longer because every pair of eyes we passed bowed to Stephen.
“Do they ever look at you without fear?” I asked quietly.
“They respect me,” he said.
“Looks more like terror,” I muttered.
He didn’t answer, but his shoulders tensed. I couldn’t tell if he heard me or if he chose to ignore it.
We reached the entrance and two tutors rushed forward to greet him. They bowed deeply. One of them, a tall man with silver hair and shaking hands, seemed to be the main instructor.
“Your Majesty,” he said nervously, “we are honored by your presence.”
St
