Chapter 102
Ella
I couldn’t believe it. The council actually let me stay. My legs felt like jelly, but I forced myself to stay upright, even as Aidan rushed forward and pulled me into a tight embrace.
“What happened?” he demanded, his voice a mix of worry and relief.
I pulled back just enough to look at him, my cheeks still warm from the tension. “The council decided... I can stay.”
Cheers erupted around me. I blinked, still in shock, and then found myself smiling. Aidan let me go just as Nikolai stepped forward, cupping my face and pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.
“They actually listened?” Nikolai asked, sounding as stunned as I felt.
I nodded, trying to process it all. “Your father, the king intervened. He reminded the council that ability and dedication should outweigh t
