Years ago
before Kael was ever born
before the crown had weight
before silence became law
there was a king.
King Aleron Varek.
Feared.
Respected.
Unquestioned.
But never
understood.
The council chamber stood full that night.
Torches burned low.
Voices quiet.
Aleron stood at the head of the table
unmoving
his presence alone enough to command silence.
“You need an heir.”
The words came from the only man bold enough to say them without fear.
Ravian Thorne.
Aleron’s closest ally.
His most trusted strategist.
“If anything happens to you,” Ravian continued,
“this entire kingdom fractures.”
Aleron didn’t respond immediately.
“I am aware,” he said finally.
“Then act on it.”
Aleron’s gaze lifted slowly.
“You speak as though it is simple.”
Ravian leaned forward slightly.
