#CHAPTER 119: A Kingdom Splintering

FELIX I returned to the castle feeling like a new man. Flying over my kingdom had given me some much-needed perspective. What had once felt like an all-consuming, overwhelming task of saving my wife now felt closer in reach. Charles was going to help me whether he liked it or not. As soon as I strode into the throne room, though, I could immediately tell that something was wrong. For starters, my family was there. My mother and father stood in front of the throne dais, their faces taut with worry. Esmeralda was standing a few feet away, muttering spells over a handful of stones in her hands. A royal messenger had planted himself before my parents, his hands trembling as he clutched a scroll of paper. All eyes turned to me as I walked into the room. “Your Majesty!” The messenger dropped into a low bow. “I was not expecting to see you. I was told you were still attending at the bedside of Queen Mila.” I shot a pointed glare in