The knowledge that we had three years to prepare didn’t bring peace. It brought intense, calculated focus. Over the next few weeks, building the defense became the secret foundation of our lives. The Royal Suite became a dual space: our private haven, as well as a secret war room.
On top of that, the Council was breathing down our necks in regards to the impending marriage. Torian held them off, not because we were nervous about marrying, but because I needed to learn about Aethelgard’s customs and way of life before I could feel confident calling myself queen.
As a result, Torian dedicated himself to my education. He was determined to fill in the gaps in my knowledge that my heritage and hurried arrival created.
“You are the Guardian, the most powerful magical entity in the realm,”
