The morning sun cast a golden hue over the kingdom as Ryker and Aria emerged from the castle, their steps slow and measured. Despite the weight of their recent revelations, life in the kingdom continued unabated, the hustle and bustle of daily affairs echoing through the courtyard.

Aria glanced up at Ryker, noting the furrow in his brow and the distant look in his eyes. She knew that he was still wrestling with his emotions, still trying to come to terms with the truth about Ava and Liam. But she also knew that they couldn't afford to dwell on the past, not when there were still so many threats lurking...