The weather was bright and pleasant, so Althea and Melva decided to take the chance to leave the palace walls while the sun was still high. The Alpha King had already granted them permission, though it came with one clear condition—they could only wander within the grounds of the North Palace.

At the door, three guards stood firmly stationed.

“My Lady and I would like to walk around,” Melva said with a polite smile.

Althea’s curious eyes studied them. “What are your names?” she ...