Helio’s POV
Dawn bled through the castle windows, painting the opulent gold of the king’s office in hues of rose and amethyst. Sunlight bathed the room, making it oddly unfamiliar. I sat amidst the stacks of parchment overflowing the polished desk, maps pinned to the walls like captured butterflies, and shelves groaning under the burden of ancient tomes.
A wave of nervous excitement washed over me. I was king, and my kingdom was a mess. I bit my lip, shaking my head. I wondered if I would ever get it under control, but I knew that I didn’t have a choice. Aspen believed in me, and there was no way I could face her family still floundering.
A hesitant knock at the door shattered the quiet. At my word, the doors swung open, revealing a parade of my father’s advisors, mostly Alphas. Their f
