Kaine
The palace staff has always been aware that a female guard walks the halls. The guards, the maids, and attendants have watched her move through the ranks, whispering when she passes. Now everyone at court knows as well.
The story spread with startling speed. The female guard who stepped in before anyone else. The one who calmed a distressed noblewoman and stayed until the baby was born.
By the next morning, the story had reached most of the court nobles, and by nightfall, it was on the lips of nearly everyone in the kingdom.
Somehow word of me coming to Ember’s defense has also spread. The servants say I’ve changed. Some even say I’ve become a leader worth following, not just obeying.
I expected outrage. I braced for accusations, for nobles calling her a distraction or a dange
