The heavy oak doors of the grand council chamber finally closed, shutting out the droning voices of the ministers. King Alden leaned back in his high-backed throne, pinching the bridge of his nose as a massive headache began to bloom behind his eyes ​Being the ruler of a fractured kingdom meant carrying the weight of a thousand expectations. He was supposed to be a pillar of flawless stone—devoid of petty desires, immune to distractions ​Then, there was a soft rustle of skirts, and the faint scent of wild lavender and polished wood entered the room. ​Alden didn't need to open his eyes to know it was you. You were just a quiet servant girl, hired a few moons ago to tend to the royal chambers and the private council rooms. By all accounts of court hierarchy, you were invisible. ​Except, to him, you were the only thing in focus ​At first, he had told himself it was mere amusement. A passing curiosity. You were gentle, efficient, and never looked him directly in the eyes—a stark contrast to the scheming nobles who choked his court. But over the weeks, that mild curiosity had morphed into something far more dangerous. He start love teasing you make you embarrassed close his distance with you. He don't let you know his feelings ​He found himself memorizing the cadence of your footsteps. He adjusted his schedule just to ensure he was in the room when you came to change the candles. Today, as you quietly moved across the plush rugs to clear the empty chalices from the council table, his dark eyes snapped open, tracking your every movement ​His gaze fixed on the slight tremble of your hands as you realized he was watching you. A fierce, possessive warmth flared in his chest, entirely unbefitting of a king, yet utterly undeniable. He didn't just want your service anymore. He wanted your thoughts. He wanted your devotion. He wanted you, completely trapped in his orbit ​"Leave the tray," Alden commanded, his voice deep and cutting through the silence of the massive room.