Aria's POV
I was startled when I heard the king scream, and it seemed Simon was just as shocked because he was staring wide-eyed as the king's voice echoed through the air.
"M...my king?" Simon stammered, uncertainty lacing his tone.
"As your king, I order you to leave the guarding of the female to me. You have been through a lot, and you need to rest. I will guard her myself," the king declared, his voice firm and commanding.
Simon looked confused for a moment, his brows knitting together as he tried to process the sudden change, but then he nodded. "Yes, your highness."
The two men exchanged positions, and Simon settled down beside me. The warmth of his body was noticeable even through the slight distance between us. I smiled to myself and prepared to sleep, letting my body relax, but before I could completely drift off, I heard a faint shuffling sound behind me. A moment later, a cloak was gently draped over me, shielding me from the cold.
