ALIYA'S POV.
After I had left, I sat on the edge of my bed, my mind racing. The encounter with queen Mellisa had shaken me to my core. I couldn't deny the pull I felt towards Jayden, the deep connection that seemed to transcend everything else. But I was with Evan now, and according to her, I had to “respect that commitment.”
When Evan returned later that evening, I could tell something was off. He seemed more agitated than usual, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for something.
"What's wrong?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Nothing," he replied curtly, but I could see the tension in his jaw.
"Evan, please. I can tell something's bothering you. Talk to me," I urged.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's just... this whole situation. The king's ul
