The royal suite was meant to be a sanctuary.
After the ceremony, it was a place where the newly mated couple was supposed to rest, to recover, to bask in the glow of their union. The suite was lavish—a fireplace crackling with warm flames, a bed draped in silk, windows that overlooked a valley bathed in moonlight. Soft furs covered the floor. Candles flickered on every surface. It was romantic, intimate, perfect.
But Iva saw none of it.
She had finally fallen asleep, exhausted by tears and rage and the crushing weight of helplessness. Her face was still streaked with dried tears, her hand still clutching Caleb's shirt even in unconsciousness. Her breathing was shallow, her brow furrowed even in sleep, as if she was fighting demons that refused to release her.
Caleb sat on the edge of t
