Chapter 159 Too Weighty

• Later that day, I found myself in his chambers, though they didn’t feel quite like his anymore, not without him in them. Sargis had left moments earlier to attend to something urgent. I didn’t ask questions. I didn’t need to. The crown had finally come calling, and he’d answered.
• I sat on the edge of the balcony, with my knees tucked loosely beneath me, and my arms folded around my knees, staring out at the view. The sky was beginning to soften into shades of burnt orange and dusky lavender, casting long shadows across the marble balustrade. The wind danced in lazy curls around me, tugging at the loose strands of my hair.
• Below me, the palace grounds stretched wide and empty. No laughter, trailing dresses, hints of mischief, rivalry, or stolen glances. The girls were gone, and the silence felt louder than anything.