Chapter 35: Narrator

For the first month after Lady Mia’s departure, Prince Jai, when not busy with his studies, could be found on the training fields working himself to exhaustion.

At night, in the quiet solitude of his room with just memories of her to keep him company, he wiled away the hours writing odes to his love. It was the only time he felt at peace, those hours spent remembering her.

At the end of the first month tragedy struck. His beloved grandfather, the Emperor, who had fallen ill not long after the selection, succumbed to his ailment and passed away in his sleep.

It was an unexpected blow to all in the kingdom, but more so for his grandson who’d loved him without reservation. The grief that fell over the kingdom was felt by all near and far.

No one thought there was anything suspicious about his untimely death, as he was getting up there in age. Though it was whispered that he’d been in good health before the illness struck.