The long table in front of Kieran was covered with maps, scrolls, and a stack of fresh letters sent from the border posts. His hands moved over the pages, breaking seals, scanning words but his mind was elsewhere.

The room was quiet except for the faint hiss of the fire and the scratch of parchment against wood. That silence broke with a soft knock on the door.

Before he could answer, the latch turned. The door opened.

Lady Anthea stepped inside.

She wore a pale blue gown that caught the light ...