Chapter 20. Royal Demands

“Get him out of there. Make all necessary preparations,” I muttered to Thoren as I headed for my quarters.

I felt Thoren’s hand brush against my shoulder as I passed him, a silent attempt at comfort, but I didn’t stop or turn back. I didn’t want sympathy. I didn’t want reassurance. I needed distance—from him, from everyone. My footsteps echoed down the corridor as I walked away, my jaw clenched, my thoughts spiraling. When I reached my room, I shut the door firmly behind me and went straight to the small study tucked away inside. The familiar scent of old books and polished wood wrapped around me, but it did nothing to calm my racing mind.

I needed to be alone. I needed quiet. Everything that had happened over the last few hours had struck me like a relentless storm, and I hadn’t even had time to brace myself. My father was gone. The pack was restless. The throne was being challenged from al