Jasmine's POV
Jayden gathered Jeffrey and Naia into his strong arms before guiding me toward the dining room. Jeffrey giggled and bounced against his father's side while Naia wrapped her small arms around Jayden's neck, holding on tight. I followed a few steps behind, moving cautiously.
The instant the queen spotted the children, she shot up from her chair with such force that it scraped harshly across the stone floor. She abandoned her place at the table and rushed toward us with open arms, immediately lifting Naia from Jayden's embrace. From the radiant expression on her face, I could tell how much joy she felt in that moment.
The king gave us a subtle nod of recognition, and I found myself studying his features intently, searching for any trace of the pain I'd witnessed earlier. I remained convinced that what I'd seen before was genuine.
The king was unwell, bearing a wound on his arm that refused to heal properly. A wound that I had caused him.
