The king stayed for two more days. The castle kept buzzing throughout. Servants rushed through the corridors, nobles whispered in the corners, and every room had this restless energy of a household performing for royalty.
Austin and Audrey were busy with the king most of the time. Alina kept to her routine. Breakfast at the mid-table, afternoon in the garden with her sewing circle, and evenings in the library.
The king didn't summon her again. She felt relieved.
On his final day, the king held his court. The throne room was packed. Everyone had squeezed into the hall. This was the session everyone had been waiting for since the king had arrived.
The king sat on the throne with Audrey at his right, dressed like a queen. She had been waiting for this moment for three years and it showed in every detail of her appearance today.
