Chapter 21 Twenty

• As he strode toward her, the commanding presence of the king enveloped him, and Avelyn's eyes widened with surprise and uncertainty. The air crackled with tension as she remained rooted in place, not daring to defy his command for the first time.
• Kieran observed the scene with an amused glint in his eyes, intrigued by Draeven's intentions. The squire standing beside Avelyn seemed to hold his breath, torn between his duty to the crown and his concern for the maid who had unexpectedly drawn the king's attention.
• Draeven's smirk deepened as he closed the distance, his gaze filled with amusement. "You seem a bit lost," he teased, leaning in just enough for her to feel the weight of his presence. His voice dipped into a conspiratorial whisper meant only for her. "What is a young woman like you doing in a place like this? Do you perhaps... have a lover among the soldiers?"