CHAPTER FORTY

ELARA’S POV

My smile came soft and slow, blooming in my chest as Valerie folded my dresses with careful hands, stacking them neatly into the carved chest by the window. We had returned from travel, from court precedence, from the weight of eyes and expectations. Evening had settled gently over the palace.

Tomorrow would be a very busy day…the search for the money that was stolen and Alaric would continue his tedious kingship duties. I want to assume mine as the Queen. ...