Lilac’s POV

The first light of dawn spilled through the arched windows, painting the palace in soft gold. I stood there, fingers pressed against the cool glass, watching the kingdom awaken below. The scent of morning dew and distant pine filled the air—but beneath it, something else lingered. Something sharp. Uneasy.

Aurora slept soundly in her cradle, her tiny fingers curled around the edge of her blanket.

I pressed a kiss to her forehead, my heart swelling and aching ...