The roar from the crowd hit Nyra like a punch to the chest.
It thudded off the palace walls, rolled through the courtyard, and just kept building, thousands of voices merging into a single wave that rattled the golden banners hanging up high.
“Long live the King!”
“Long live King Kael!”
“The Moon has chosen!”
The whole kingdom was celebrating. People were losing their minds. And yet, Nyra wanted to bolt.
Her pulse hammered just under her skin. She was stranded at the center of the royal platform, hemmed in by nobles in bright silks and soldiers gleaming in the sun. Every eye in the kingdom was locked on her.
Watching.
Judging.
Waiting.
The square stretched so far she couldn’t see the end, packed full of people who’d traveled from every corner of the realm, desperate to catch a gl
