Auren’s POV

My hands were clasped tightly as I leaned over the balcony, the late afternoon breeze brushing against my skin. I was waiting for Lorien to return from her walk with Riven waiting, and growing increasingly impatient. Every passing minute gnawed at me. I wanted to see her, to hear her voice, to reassure myself that she was still mine.

My earlier meeting with Queen Elara had gone better than expected. For once, she had seemed almost... civil. There was a calmness to her demeanor, ...