GELLER'S POV
Knox stood up and began pacing the room, his hand cradling his chin as if deep in thought. "Lucian already had Ardavia," he muttered. "Why would he go so far to erase the kingdom’s legacy?"
"The King Regent is power-hungry and ambitious—a very dangerous combination," Elias said, his voice laced with caution. "Perhaps he doesn’t just want to rule. He wants to build a legacy that isn't overshadowed by the true royals."
Knox and I exchanged looks, our eyes narrowing in unison as we silently urged Elias to elaborate.
With a weary sigh, Elias continued. "You see, King Zachary came from humble beginnings. Lucian too. He was chosen not because of his birthright, but because he was the fated mate of Queen Celeste—an Ardaellan heir."
"So Lucian isn’t royal?" Knox asked.
A dry chu
