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Author: Aurelia Skye
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Change of Heart

The ball was slightly better than some of the others, but she was still anxious for it to be over. It was approaching midnight, and the royals had yet to make their farewell speeches. She’d gotten more accustomed to keeping these late hours as their guest, but was currently resenting the demands on her time when all she wanted to do was surround herself with her guards to have a heartfelt and honest discussion about their future.

She let out a breath of relief when quiet descended around the ballroom as the symphony abruptly stopped playing. The king and queen got to their feet, and trays of champagne circulated. She took one and put on a polite smile, preparing for a political speech. At least she was certain King Arlo and Queen Tempest actually liked her though, unlike the Drakkens, who’d seemed to merely tolerate her presence.

“You all know we’re here to bid farewell to our favorite guest, North Campbell.” At the king’s words, the assemblage bur
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    Chapter Thirty-One: ReturnIt was disorienting for a moment to step through the portal and return to Earth after so long in Fire & Ice. She trailed Orin and Ryland out of the portal, with Eamon, Eli, Marek, and Kriss following behind her. They stepped off the platform, and only Caius was there to greet them. He came forward, but didn’t reach out in welcome to any of them.North didn’t feel slighted in the least. She was relieved to avoid any physical interaction with the man. The room was cool, and she shivered slightly. Having been in his presence before when he was displeased, she was sure the coolness originated from Caius’s power—whether intentionally or subconsciously.“Welcome back to Earth. I trust your trip was productive?” He asked the question in a knowing way, and there was no doubt Caius had already been fully apprised of everything that had occurred in the other realm. She doubted he approved of her interference, a fact which seemed confirmed when he looked at her a momen

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