Aldric bowed his head and backed out of the room. Maelina and Lily shared a worried look, then followed him, closing the door behind them.
Once they were alone again, Zarek took her hands in his. "I am sorry," he murmured. "I should not have left you. I thought the guards were enough to keep you safe."
Eliora shook her head, smoothening the folds on his forehead. "It is not your fault," she whispered. "I am safe now. You came back."
"I'm not leaving this room until the coronation," he promised, pulling her into his arms and holding her so tight.
Eliora pulled back just a little and looked into his eyes. "You cannot stay here with me, Zar. You are the king. The kingdom needs you. I will not let you neglect your duties just to sit in this room."
His brows furrowed. "It's only until the Coronation, Dove. My place is right here with you."
"No," she insisted, her tone stubborn. "Besides, this is your fault anyway!"
