Kaiden was to spend his wedding night with Eleanor in the palace. The former king had already moved from the Silver Crescent Palace for Kaiden, relocating to the Mountain Cliff Palace with his queen and wives.
The castle felt empty that night—because it was. Ariel's chambers had already been arranged at the Queen's Palace, located at the rear of the main palace.
She had refused to move, at least not tonight.
Ariel stayed curled up on her bed. No matter how hard she tried not to think about it, her mind kept straying to Kaiden.
Time ticked slowly. Ariel eventually lost track of it. Her eyes were heavy but sleep wouldn't come.
Long past midnight, the door creaked open. Her eyes fluttered open, sensing the intrusion. Someone was here. She didn't panic—she had already felt his presence long before he entered.
Footsteps drew closer. She felt the bed dip behind her, and his scent wrapped around her like a second skin.
