On the day the king’s ship finally arrived at port, Althea was already dressed in her finest gown. Yet despite her composed appearance, a quiet nervousness settled in her chest. The sight of so many people gathered to welcome them was overwhelming.

Then she felt Gavriel’s hand gently take hers, guiding it to rest on his arm. He gave her a reassuring squeeze, grounding her.

“Let’s go… our people are waiting for their queen,” he murmured softly.

She turned to him and found him ...