The Grand Duke had no answer.
Because there were no words capable of softening a truth like that.
At last, Jay straightened, his voice steady but cold.
"Go inside, Father. Rest. When Liv wakes… I will tell her that I'm returning to the North."
The Grand Duke placed a hand briefly on Jay's shoulder, a rare gesture, before following his wife into the castle.
Jay remained alone in the courtyard.
Under the silent night sky.
With the weight of kingdoms, bloodlines, curses, and impossible choices pressing against his chest.
And for the first time since Liv collapsed…
Jay couldn't decide which was more terrifying:
the enemies lurking in the dark, or the decision waiting for him when morning came.
Liv blinked softly as the warm sunlight slipped through the curtains and kissed her eyelids. Her lashes fluttered before her gaze settled on Jay, still asleep beside her, his breathing deep and steady.
