Chapter Sixty-Four
Elrien had watched Azarien only from afar, until the first day, when the younger prince had come to his chambers.
Elrien had looked around, expecting servants, but Azarien had been alone, standing in the doorway like he had been crafted from warmth and sunlight.
Half-century old Azarien was everything Elrien had never been allowed to be.
Bright hair and eyes that burned with curiosity and confidence.
Even as a child, he carried himself like someone who owned the world.
Because he did.
Azarien spoke the first words between them.
"You're my brother," Azarien said, tilting his head with genuine interest . His voice held no cruelty yet, just the innocent wonder of a child discovering something new. "I've heard the servants talking about you."
Elrien's heart has leaped so hard. Finally, someone was speaking to him and was actually acknowledging his existence.
For one brief moment, he had allowed himself to hope that everything might change.
