TO RULE, SHE MUST BE KING.

ervants and courtiers moving about. The weight of his double life pressed heavily on him, his every move scrutinized by those wh

thoughts. The maid entered, her express

s requests your presence for y

day felt like a battle in itself. The first few years had been easier, the excitement of learning new techniques driving him forward. But now? Now, the routine was grueling, and his mind ofte

ed the royal family for years and had been handpicked by King Alistair to train his son. Aelian had always respected him, though Arches w

in the way you handle yourself now. You've adapted to the techniques, i

could hear the subtle pressure beneath

de, the words sounded more like a challenge, a reminder of how muc

, each movement more forced. Alian pushed through the motions, but his mind wandered. He wasn't just training to be a ruler-he was

stop. He couldn'

, lounging against a nearby pillar with an air of boredom. Alian frowned. Elmore wasn't supposed to be here today. The Royal Coun

cut out for this?" His voice was taunting, filled with mockery. Though Elmore was only two ye

y had always had a complicated relationship-Alian's natural charisma had always been a threat to Elmor

n asked, his voice more

the prince sweat. It's amusing." He glanced at the practice ground. "How long do you think

turned back to Arches and readied himself for another round of pract

-

e sweat from his brow, he noticed Elmore's sneer lingering on his

work? Or are you going to step up and actually do something for once?" Ae

n. One day, the throne won't be yours. And when it's not, you'd crawl on your knees begging me t

before. His training was far from over, but his thoughts were only growing more complicated. With every day that passe

eginning to show. How much lo

Strength

ith exhaustion, but he knew he couldn't stop. Not now. He had to be ready for what lay ahead. The weight of

t the edge of the practice ground, holding a towel in her hands.

is ready. You should clean up before the mee

f the training session. He walked over to her and reached for the towel, bu

oo comfortab

is face. With a swift movement, he snatched the towel from Aelian's hands. Alia

s words were sharp. "What you think you've been keeping secret for all these ye

s had a way of making him feel like there was something lurking just out of his control. But Alian refused to show

y despite the nervous tremor inside him. "Go run bac

a moment. He gave Alian a cold, stern look before tur

. Alian wiped his face with the towel, trying to shake off the anxiety his cousin's wor

ed, this time with news. "Prince Alian," she said, her v

a, a peaceful land known for its rolling hills and ancient traditions. Alian had been meant to go with her, but his mother had refuse

mother's return was something he had longed for, and he couldn't help t

had just finished some of his royal duties for the day. His mother, elegant and re

shelter from the world. "I've missed you so much. Your aunt sends her regards, and she sends you her blessings. She was

about her presence that always made him feel like he could finally breathe again. In th

uckle. "It's good to have you back, my queen," h

are moment of peace. With his mother back, even just for a brief time, he allowed himsel

st family, and tha