*Saoirse*

I cradled Prince Aiden tenderly against my chest, his tiny fingers curling around mine with a strength that belied his delicate form. The great hall was silent, every soul within its ancient stone walls leaning in with an air of anticipation.

The candles flickered back to life one by one. I was choosing not to take this as an omen but as a sign that my children were destined for great power. We had been through enough. I would fight to ensure my children never ...