THE KING'S MAN

was a confidante, someone Nyra could talk to when the weight of her title became too much to bear. "You won't bel

ised in concern. "What happened

t. The gown is just too long, and it's so heavy. I almost - " She stopped herself, realizing how close she'd

terrible! Are you hurt?" She hurried over, her fingers gent

ing her head. "But Darius was ther

ity officer?" Her voice held a note of disbelief.

appeared out of nowhere, almost like he was watching for me to fall." She chuckled lightly, though her cheeks

ty. "But... surely, he's just a soldier. A security o

e is-always alert, always watching. He's not like the others. He has a way a

cern. "I'm glad you weren't hurt, Your Majesty," she said, her

am grateful to him, but there's more. Today... I spoke to the king about t

, Your Majesty. The king... he did not seem please

, but to have careers, to be teachers, doctors, something more than just household roles." She looked away for a moment, staring out the window, her fingers nervously play

ajesty, you've always been so bold. But do you think... do you think the king

ition ran deep in Zuriah, and the king was its fiercest guardian. It was har

p and sitting idle, waiting for the next royal event or banquet. I'm more than just a queen in name. I have a purpo

ay you're stepping too far from your place. A queen, especially in Zuriah, isn't meant to speak out like this or go walking i

'm not here to sit silently and be a pretty decoration on the king's arm. I'm not just a wife.

"I just worry, Your Majesty. The king... he may not take kind

just sit here and do nothing. Not while ther

er to the bath. "You're brave, Your Majesty. But you

Arla. But this is a path I have to walk. I just hope the king eventually sees

ater worked its magic, soothing the tension in her muscles. It was rare for her to feel truly a

no matter what," Arla said softly

s pressing on her, but she felt a flicker of warmth at Arla's words.

s words. "And you'll always have me, Your M

ed, her tone softening as a hin

the garden, Your Majesty, playing on th

ny her to Zuriah, Nyra feared she would have been utterly alone. The grandeur of the palace, with its opulent halls and regal atmosphere, only highlighted the emptiness that could easily engulf someone in her position. But Arla's steady presence,

*

silks and gleaming silverware, reflected the wealth of the kingdom. A constant hum of servants and guards moved in and out of the room as they attended to

The clink of silver spoons against delicate china seemed distant, as though she was hearing it from another world. The king, King Thaddeus, was across from

he growing rift between them. Nyra had spent the last several days trying to bridge that distance - trying to find commo

e a difference. She had spent her entire life preparing for this role, but now that she was here, seated in the throne room of Zuriah, s

r Majesty?" King Thaddeus's voice broke

eplied, her voice soft but firm. She didn't add the thought that had

nd Darius entered. His tall, commanding presence instantly captured the room. The whispers a

he said, his voice deep, laced with authority. Then, turning slightly, he o

flicker of his eyes in Darius's direction. The king continued t

ent. "But I must report a security breach near the eastern gates. Unusual movements

ce, the way he barely spared Darius a glance. He simply waved his hand

, unexpected tension in the air. For a fleeting second, it was as though something passed

arius turned to leave. His hand rested

"You are safe, Your Majesty," he said softly, the words barely a

ipped. Safe? Ho

ay, his figure disappearing through the door,

n in place, her mind racing. How did he know? She glanced at the king, but he seemed utterly unaffected, continuin