CHAPTER 16 - The King Who Didn't Sleep
The corridors of the Valtherion Palace were still quiet as Sir Kael escorted Keira to the Queen's chambers.
Their footsteps echoed softly across the white marble floor. The late afternoon sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a gentle glow across the stone walls.
Daniel walked casually behind them, occasionally glancing at the portraits of former kings that lined the corridor.
"This place really doesn't know the meaning of the word simple," he muttered.
Keira didn't respond.
She continued to observe every corner of the palace calmly.
Kael finally stopped in front of a large door carved with the crest of Valtherion.
He opened it slowly.
"This is your chamber, Your Majesty."
Keira stepped inside.
The room was vast and magnificent. Long white curtains flowed down to the floor, and an open balcony overlooked the vast palace gardens.
Daniel let out a low whistle.
"Alright. I could get used to this."
Kael remained near the door, maintaining the composure of a knight.
But a few seconds later, footsteps echoed from the corridor.
Calm…. but heavy.
Kael immediately turned.
Then he bowed his head. "Your Majesty."
Daniel turned. Keira did as well.
King Alaric Valtherion stood in the doorway. His appearance was very different from the last time Keira had seen him.
His face looked pale, dark circles were clearly visible beneath his eyes.
As if he hadn't slept for days. Yet his gaze remained sharp when it met Keira's eyes.
For several seconds, no one spoke.
Keira finally broke the silence. "You look terrible."
Alaric gave a faint smile. "The past few days have been rather busy."
It was a lie. Truth is, he had not been able to sleep peacefully for days because his Queen had not been here…. far from his sight.
Keira crossed her arms, clearly uninterested in asking further.
Alaric's gaze then shifted toward Daniel.
Daniel immediately straightened up.
"Ah. Hello again, Your Majesty."
Alaric gave a small nod.
Then he said, "There is one matter we need to arrange before palace rumors grow too far."
Daniel raised an eyebrow. "I'm listening."
Alaric continued calmly,
"While you are in Valtherion, your identity will be disguised."
Daniel looked curious. "As what?"
Alaric answered without hesitation. "A cousin."
Daniel blinked. "A cousin?"
Alaric glanced briefly at Keira. "A distant relative from Evermont." He looked back at Daniel. "You will be introduced as a distant cousin of Keira and Cassian."
Daniel thought for a moment. "That makes sense."
He shrugged. "Better than explaining that I'm a personal assistant from another world."
Keira smirked faintly.
Alaric continued, "This way there will be no questions about why you are always near the Queen."
Daniel nodded. "Alright then." He crossed his arms.
"I think I can play that role."
Alaric finally looked back at Keira. Their eyes met again.
Silence.
A week had passed since the last time they spoke. Yet the silence between them felt far longer than seven days.
Keira tilted her head slightly. "So."
Her tone was casual. "why you here?
Alaric didn't look away. "I wanted to make sure you arrived safely."
Keira raised an eyebrow. "You could have asked Kael." She casually gestured toward the knight. "He already escorted me to my room."
Kael didn't move at all.
But Alaric continued looking at Keira. As if trying to read something on her face.
Yet what he saw now, she not the Aelirra he once knew.
But someone far sharper.
Far freer.
And perhaps… far more dangerous to his own heart.
Keira finally spoke. "If you're done making sure everything is in order…" She pointed toward the door. "…I'd like to rest."
A few seconds passed. Then Alaric finally said quietly,
"Very well."
But before turning to leave, he added one more sentence.
"Welcome back to the palace, Aelirra."
His voice was soft.