AVIONA'S POV
I drew the covers up to my waist and settled against the broad trunk of the tree, letting its bark and my blankets shape a little cocoon around me. Morning light filtered through the leaves and the glass above, warm enough to make me want to stay here forever.
And so I did.
I stayed in my nest with the book Ella had pulled from the library for me. The thick volume on court hierarchy sat open in my lap, all dense text and tiny letters. I traced each line with my finger, mouthing the words even though no sound came out.
Suddenly, the door creaked.
Heavy, familiar footsteps followed.
My heart leapt. I barely had time to shove the book under a pillow before King Faelan’s head appeared at the threshold of my nest.
“You’re supposed to be out with Ella,” he said, his voice low
