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CHAPTER 17
~King Ash's POV~
I felt it the moment Azriel crossed the threshold of the palace.
That subtle shift in the air. The kind that had nothing to do with magic and everything to do with the presence of a man who had always known how to smile while calculating where to strike.
"Brother," I greeted him, keeping my voice even.
"It's good to see you, Your Majesty," Azriel replied, warmth coating his words just enough to sound sincere.
I didn't return the sentiment, and he noticed, like always.
His gaze wandered the hall like a man admiring old memories, but I knew better. Azriel never looked without measuring. Distances. Guards. Weak points. He'd never stopped being a strategist.
Had I not known the triplet better and smelled Davion's scent on them, I'd have said Xavier was his son. Where Xavier was careful, Azriel was cunning in ways that put kings to shame.
"So," he said casually, folding his hands behind his back, "I hear you've been keeping secrets."
