The distance between the Sun Parlor and the royal super-suite had never felt longer.
Aeron did not run, because Kings do not run, but his stride was so long and punishingly swift that Kaia practically had to jog to keep up with him. His left hand was clamped firmly around her waist, steering her through the corridors of the Imperial Palace with the singular, terrifying focus of a starving predator who had finally cornered his prey.
Guards snapped to attention as they passed. Footmen pressed themselves flat against the tapestries to avoid the King's lethal, silent momentum.
"You are going to start a rumor that we are fleeing an invasion," Kaia hissed, breathless as they rounded the final corner of the East Wing.
"I am initiating an invasion," Aeron corrected smoothly, not slowing down. "Of my own bedchamber."
