DAMIEN’S POV

The second the car screeched to a stop in front of the palace, I was already moving.

I kicked the door open, Rose cradled tight against my chest, her body still limp, still freezing. My boots hit the gravel hard. “Guards!” I roared, voice cracking through the night like thunder. “Get the Queen! NOW!”

Two guards snapped to attention, sprinting ahead of me toward the main entrance. Lights flicked on everywhere—hallway chandeliers. The whole palace woke up in seconds.

I didn’t wait for them to open doors. I shouldered through, carrying her like she was made of glass. Her head rested against my shoulder, hair tangled and sticky...