“I’m so sorry,” Weaver said.

They took small steps toward Valor and put their hands gingerly on their arms. He looked down, away from Weaver’s supporting gaze, and she knew exactly why. In that pain, some kindness, shown by the right person could break you.

And he could not break now. He had to be strong. He was king after all.

She’d done the same thing when someone with genuine earnestness and care told her they were sorry about her mom. A ...