CHAPTER TWENTY

ELARA’S POV

The world felt like it turned the moment the herald’s voice boomed across the courtyard.

“King Alaric of Earldom.”

He stood proud in his majesty.

“Queen Elara of Earldom.”

My name seemed to echo louder than his. It rolled into the air, heavy and sharp, like everyone was waiting to see if I would crumble under it.

I stood in front of the palace. It was massive, towering over us like it could swallow kingdoms whole. Earldom’s palace was big, but ...