ALIYA'S POV:
The morning of our second summons to King Julian was shrouded in tension. The previous encounter had left us both shaken, and the weight of the king's disapproval hung heavily over us. I could see the strain in Evan's eyes as he prepared himself, his jaw set with determination. Despite our argument, we both knew that facing the king united was our only option.
The Walk to the king's Court room felt longer than usual, the palace corridors echoing with our footsteps. Evan’s hand gripped mine tightly and as we approached the grand doors, two guards stepped aside to let us in, their expressions stern and unreadable.
The court room was just as imposing as before, with its high ceilings and elaborate decorations. King Julian sat on his throne, his gaze piercing as he watched us a
