Kael did not change overnight.
He changed through decisions.
That was the first thing Lyra noticed.
Not emotion.
Not reaction.
But structure.
The palace guards were repositioned without announcement.
The corridors she used most were now subtly cleared at certain hours.
Her walking routes were adjusted, not restricted, but guided.
Nothing was said to her like an order.
Everything was presented like it already made sense.
Lyra stood in the hallway, observing it quietly.
One guard stepped aside before she reached him.
Not because she was approaching.
But because he already knew she would pass there.
She exhaled slowly.
“…you reorganized the palace,” she said when Kael appeared beside her.
Kael didn’t deny it.
“I optimized movement around you.”
Lyra looked at him.
“That sou
