Mason's POV
The day had been long, filled with meetings and paperwork. As I walked down the corridor towards my mother's chambers, I looked forward to a quiet dinner and an early night. I was tired, and my mind was cluttered with thoughts of the kingdom’s many problems. All I wanted was a moment of peace.
But as I approached her door, I heard voices. One was my mother's, unmistakable in its regal tone. The other... I froze, my hand halfway to the door handle. It couldn't be.
"...must be careful," my mother was saying. "If Mason were to find out..."
"He won't," replied the other voice, achingly familiar. "I know how to keep secrets."
My mind reeled. Michael? It couldn't be. He had disappeared years ago, during our training. We had searched for weeks, but eventually, he had been declare
