Kael's POV
The news should concern me. It should send me racing back to the capital to smooth things over, to play the dutiful prince and heir. Instead, I find myself glancing back at the inn, toward the room where Elara is probably sitting in that careful, quiet way she has perfected.
“How is my father handling the pressure?”
“He’s furious with you.”
Seth steps closer, lowering his voice.
“Kael, what the hell are you doing? You’re throwing away everything you’ve worked for.”
“I’ll be back in the capital in two weeks.”
“Two weeks?”
Seth stares at me like I’ve lost my mind.
“The Council meeting is—”
“In two weeks,” I say firmly. “I’ll be there.”
My friend opens his mouth to argue, then seems to think better of it. Instead, he studies my face with the close attention of someone
