Weeks passed after Silver’s birth, and the palace began to return to its usual rhythm. The sound of celebration had faded, replaced by the soft echoes of daily duties — guards changing shifts, servants moving through corridors, and the gentle coos of the newborn heir echoing from the Luna’s chambers.

Liora had started to find a routine. Each morning, she rose early to feed Silver, guided by the healers’ careful instructions. The baby was calm most of the time, but there were moments ...