Chapter 129 King's Secret Ch1

• Midnight drapes the throne room in shadows. The stained-glass windows glow ghostly blue under the moon, the polished marble floors reflecting candlelight that flickers like whispered secrets.
• She’s not supposed to be here — never at this hour — but the guard outside the heavy doors tipped his head, pretending not to notice when she slipped past him. Everyone pretends not to notice when it comes to the King’s shadow. His oldest friend. His secret that nobody touches.
• Except he’s alone tonight. She sees him before he sees her — half sprawled on the throne like it’s a hunting chair instead of the seat of an empire, crown set crooked on dark hair he hasn’t bothered to comb. His scepter leans abandoned against the velvet arm. He looks exhausted, brutal, half-mad with power.