The palace felt quieter at night. Not peaceful but controlled with higher power like everything inside it was carefully held in place by something unseen and unforgiving.
Kaelira followed the royal guard through the western corridor without speaking. Every step deeper into the palace made her more aware of how intentional this invitation was. Not official. Not public. Not even properly acknowledged.
A secret, disguised as a request. The guard stopped in front of a set of tall double doors.
“My lady,” he said quietly, bowing his head. Then he left. No announcement. No witnesses. Just silence.
Kaelira stood there for a moment longer than she should have before pushing the doors open. Kael was already inside. He stood near the window, one hand behind his back, the other resting lightly ag
