0039

Kayla's POV

Quietly the King turned around, walking out as abruptly as he came, my eyes trailing after him watching in disbelief.

I turned to Azel flabbergasted, without thinking, I threw my arms around her in a hug, the joy bursting out of me before I could stop it. “I’m staying, Azel! I’m not leaving!” the words tumbled out in a rush, almost breathless.

Azel froze for a moment, and I could feel her hesitation. Slowly, she hugged me back, but it was brief, almost hesitant. She stepped away quickly, her hands smoothing her apron. “I’m glad you’re staying, Lady Kayla,” she said.

I grabbed her arm before she could slip away fully. “Azel, don’t do that. You don’t have to act like I'm your boss, not anymore.” I pulled her back into a hug, tighter this time, holding her close. “You’ve been more than just a maid to me. You’re my friend.”

Her body softened against mine, and I felt her shoulders shake slightly, as if she had been holding her breath for days. She finally let herself relax, hug