0028

Kayla's POV

For the first time since I took that drink I felt sober, the earlier rush now occupied by butterflies, my only regret was how short the kiss was.

My heart hadn’t stopped racing since that kiss. It was all I could think about, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t help being restless, glancing at the door every few minutes or jumping at every sound hoping the King would come back, but he never did.

Instead, it was Azel who appeared the next morning, carrying a tray of breakfast. Her usual smile seemed a bit too cheerful, and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment as she set the tray down on the small table by the window.

“Good morning, Lady Kayla,” she said, her tone light and pleasant. “Did you sleep well?”

I didn’t bother answering the question. The answer was obvious. “Where is he?” I asked instead.

Azel paused, her hands stilling over the tray as she carefully arranged the plates. “The King, I'm certain? He had some matters to attend to, I'm guessing th