Chapter 29

• Alera's Pov
• I inhaled deeply, steadying my breath before knocking on the heavy wooden door. My hands trembled slightly as I balanced the tray, the warmth of the food seeping through the silverware. It was still early, but the palace was already alive with movement. Maids bustled about, carrying out their morning duties, while the distant chatter of warriors echoed from the training grounds.
• My heart pounded against my ribcage. I had intended to avoid him today. Yesterday, his presence had been overwhelming, his aura suffocating. He was the king, after all—the weight of an entire kingdom rested on his shoulders. I understood that responsibility all too well. My parents had once carried the burden of leadership for our clan before everything changed.