159: Alpha King and Queen

Alpha Caden’s POV

Returning to the palace after our week in South Africa felt surreal. That time had been a sanctuary, a retreat where Aurora and I could rebuild our bond away from the pressures of our roles.

But now, the weight of the throne and the reality of court politics bore down on us as we approached the palace's grand entrance.

Aurora stayed close to my side, her hand gripping mine tightly. The palace, once a place of familiarity and routine, now seemed cold and oppressive after our brief escape.

My thoughts were consumed by the upcoming coronation and the disturbing news Caleb, my newly discovered twin brother, had brought to light.

Caleb had appeared out of nowhere, a living reminder of the family secrets and past deceptions that seemed to plague our lineage.

His resemblance to me was uncanny, but his demeanor held a hardness that set him apart. Despite the shock of discovering a twin, it was his revelation about Alexander’s treachery that had driven us back to the pala