Chapter 144 - A Duke's Duty, A Wife's Strength

The royal summons lay open on the desk between us, its red wax seal broken like a wound. I watched Alaric's face as he read it a second time, the muscle in his jaw tightening with each line. The peaceful bubble we had been living in for months had finally burst.

"The King requires my presence at the southern border," Alaric said, his voice flat but his eyes stormy. "Blackwood sympathizers have been stirring unrest among the border villages. They're exploiting local grievances to build support."

My hand instinctively went to my rounded belly, as if to shield our unborn child from this unwelcome news. "When must you leave?"

"Tomorrow at first light." Alaric ran a hand through his hair, a rare gesture of frustration. "Damn it all. I told Theron months ago those villages needed attention. The drought hit them hard last summer, and the crown's response was inadequate."

I rose from the chaise, moving to stand beside him. "You cannot ignore a royal summons."