Prince Maxwell stood alone inside his study, staring out through the tall windows as the

morning sun spread across the palace grounds.

His thoughts refused to leave the Royal Council meeting.

One sentence echoed over and over in his mind.

"The slave remains."

Kallias had ended the discussion with only three words.

No explanation. No hesitation.

He had refused to remove Adriana from his personal service, despite the concerns of the entire

council.

Maxwell slowly tapped his fingers against the windowsill.

"It doesn't make sense."

He had known Kallias his entire life.

His cousin had never allowed emotions to interfere with duty.

Never. Even when Rhea was alive.

Yet this...