Chapter 50: King Luca Utherian

Edda's hand was beginning to get cold despite Luca holding it in his. He didn't know how long he had been sitting on the bed by her side, but he didn't want to let go. She looked asleep, albeit a little pale, as if she was bound to wake up any moment now. But no amount of wishful thinking was going to bring her back. 

Luca was no stranger to death; he had become a soldier at thirteen and captain of the Golden Company at seventeen. He sat with many a soldier until they gave their last breaths. But Edda was her aunt, and the closest relative he had. Even if they had grown distant throughout the years—she being too busy ruling the kingdom and him with his soldiers—she was family, nevertheless.

The door behind him opened and the soldier part of his brain told him he had to turn around immediately. Rule number one: never give your back to a door when you're vulnerable. Especially now when the kingdom was without a monarch. He didn't think anyone would oppos