Chapter 71

HAZEL

Ever since Arnold returned to the palace, our days have been a whirlwind of worry and uncertainty. Arnold and Ethan work tirelessly to find a cure for the sickness plaguing our kingdom, and I do everything I can to support them. We spend our days poring over scrolls and consulting with experts, but despite our best efforts, the sickness continues to spread unchecked.

Arnold and Ethan may be kings, but they are also my mates, and I cannot stand by and watch as they shoulder the burden alone. The only thing I can do is to try my best to take care of them, and making sure the cooks make their favorite meals and making sure they get enough rest. In return, they do the same for me, offering words of encouragement and comfort when I need them most, and giving me routine massages.

But no matter how hard we try to maintain a sense of normalcy, the weight of the situation hangs heavy over us. Some nights, when the palace is quiet and the weight of the world feels too much to bear, I ca