（Olivia's POV）
The morning sun didn't shine bright. It barely cut through the heavy gray clouds that seemed to mirror the lingering tension between Dominic and me. We were summoned to the council chambers at dawn, a royal messenger arriving with urgent news that left no room for delay.
King Richard—our estranged and iron-fisted ruler—had fallen ill. Rumors of unrest along the southern border had reached his ears, and in his absence, we had to intervene.
I glanced at Dominic as we read over the scroll together. His expression remained stoic, though his jaw worked slightly, betraying a flicker of frustration. We hadn't spoken since the explosive confrontation in his quarters the day before. Now, we are being sent to work together.
"This is foolish," I muttered, breaking the silence. "We
