Aria
The palace feels different after the council meeting.
Sharper. Like the walls themselves learned how to listen.
Servants bow lower now when we pass through the corridors. Guards avoid direct eye contact. Every conversation stops the moment one of us enters a room.
Interesting.
The kingdom is no longer reacting to prophecy.
It is reacting to presence.
The bond hums steadily beneath my ribs while we move through the upper halls toward Cassian’s private balcony chambers.
Warm. Balanced. Aware.
Always aware now.
Gods.
I can feel the pressure building inside the palace even without hearing the whispers directly.
Fear. Curiosity. Hope. Suspicion.
Every emotion brushes softly against the bond like distant storms gathering beyond the mountains.
Kaelith notices my tension first.
