MAXIMUS’S POV
The cold night wind brushed against my face as I stood on the balcony, watching the crowd below. The royal hall glowed like fire—hundreds of lanterns swinging above, banners fluttering in the night. From here, the people looked small, their laughter distant, their excitement a cruel reminder of how unaware they were.
They had no idea what was coming.
Lucien stood beside me, silent. He’d been quiet since we arrived, his body stiff, his eyes darting toward me every few seconds like he was afraid of what I might say next. His worry hung heavy in the air, pressing down on both of us.
I could feel his tension almost as much as my own.
He finally let out a slow breath, his hands resting on the balcony rail. “They look happy,” he said, voice low, uncertain.
“They won’t be for
