Ember Frost’s POV

In an instant, my father’s expression changed. The gentle warmth I was so used to disappeared, replaced by that firm, commanding look he wore whenever duty called. In that moment, he didn’t feel like my dad anymore—he looked every bit the ruler, someone who carried the weight of every decision on his shoulders.

“One thing every true leader must possess is compassion,” he said calmly. "A ruler who shows no mercy will quickly be seen as harsh by the people."

He ...