-Ladon-
Gods, it had been ages since I last set foot here. Standing before the grand palace, taking my time to dress, I felt no urgency to enter, a fact not lost on Rivanna. She had carried my clothes as we flew here and now waited patiently for me to finish getting ready.
“Are you all right?” she inquired.
I nodded as I slipped on one of my shoes.
“Of course,” I lied.
Truth be told, I wasn’t all right. I only returned to the palace when absolutely necessary—for celebrations or important meetings. Otherwise, I kept my distance. Being here reminded me of who I once was: the youthful prince with boundless potential. I never anticipated the trials I would eventually face.
“Uncle Ladon!”
Suddenly, my niece Alexia appeared at the top of the stairs leading into the palace. Gods, how she h
