The sharp rhythm of hooves striking cobblestone echoed across the port, piercing through the sea breeze and murmurs of the gathered men.
Heads turned as a royal crest came into view.
The King of Cassian rode at the front, cloak snapping behind him as his steed surged forward.
He had ridden hard the moment word reached him that his brother—the Grand Duke of Gerhard—was preparing to embark for Semeta.
Tension carved deep lines across his face. Behind him thundered Adam, the admiral, followed closely by several royal knights struggling to keep pace.
The memory of that last day at the port still haunted him—Kyren's hollow eyes, the reckless desperation, the madness that had nearly consumed him in his pursuit of Anna.
He would not watch his brother shatter again.
The king hauled back on the reins. His horse reared slightly and neighed at the abrupt halt.
King Kyden wasted no time. He leapt down before the animal had fully stilled and rushed towards Kyren with urgency.
