Knowing how critical and complicated Caelum's position was and with his Crown Princess, Maristella, already entangled in the political web, he understood that even the smallest personal action could be twisted into something dangerous.
As much as he wanted to meet Soren face to face, to hear his voice directly instead of relying on fragmented reports, he restrained himself. The palace was no longer a place he could move freely in. Every corridor had ears, every servant could be bought, and every step he took beyond protocol would be scrutinized under watchful, prying eyes.
Now that his coronation was officially being planned, the atmosphere within the royal court had grown even more suffocating.
Preparations were grand on the surface such as celebrations, alliances and formal invitations but beneath it all lingered unrest. His younger brother, Cael was also set to be granted a title, a ceremonial gesture that subtly confirmed what everyone already knew.
