Marek slammed the door of his carriage shut and stormed toward his house. His chest still rose and fell in uneven rhythm. The air around him felt thick, as if it carried the weight of his frustration back with him from the palace. Every step he took only reminded him of how furious he was.
Aveloria's slap still burned on his face. Her voice, shaking with anger, replayed in his head over and over. He hadn't meant to lose control like that. He hadn't meant to grab her or speak so harshly, but she pushed him to the edge, again and again. She always did.
When he reached the front door, he barely noticed the guards who opened it for him. He walked straight into the main hall, eyes dark and jaw tight.
Inside, he froze.
His father, Eldric, sat in the living room with a cup of wine in hand. And beside him, leaning comfortably against the couch, was Rowena. Her lips curved into a smile as soon as she saw him.
"Marek, you're finally here." She greeted softly.
