Chapter 463 Held At The Threshold

He had already started toward the door, his mind painting the moment ahead with vivid clarity, the way Oriana might look when she saw him, surprised at first, then lighting up with something warmer.

"Your Highness."

The voice came soft but steady, cutting cleanly through the thought before it could take hold.

Cleo moved without a sound, stepping just enough to place herself in his path. Her head r