Strained Bonds

Astrid

“Silas!” I shout, releasing King Viktor’s arm and running to my best friend. I can hear the king behind me sighing loudly, despairing that I still haven’t learned the proper decorum.

I don’t care at this moment, though, because it’s Silas. “How have you-?”

Silas steps back when I go in to hug him. “Princess,” he says, bowing.

I frown. Sure, Silas and I didn’t part on the best of terms, but