Chapter 99

They watched Remeta, who was on the other side of the river, quite oblivious of the adults close by. They continued walking. The evening started blending into early night.

“The things Cone could never do, Queen Auroria tried to do. Going into the village regularly, sharing foods for the lowborn. She treated everyone equally.” He paused. “She was a good woman.”

Danika’s heart soared and relaxed as the king continued talking about her mother. She had never really known her mother except for the little her nanny told her, but hearing King Lucien talk about her was like a soothing balm on its own. The same mouth that snarled her father’s name with hatred spoke so gently and amicably about her mother.

They came to a wooden bench beside the riverbank, and Danika was happy when his hands were on her. Then he led them to that chair. She sat beside him, and he talked steadily. She listened attentively, her eyes absorbing this moment as they watched his face and the river be