Word of the Fire Bloom incident reaches the King. Fearing scandal and political unrest, he summons Grand Duke Kael Thorne—a legendary warrior who governs the harsh Northern Realm with an icy fist.
Kael is everything Elira is not: disciplined, powerful, respected. When they meet, Elira offers a curtsy and a smile. He gives her a once-over and says, "I was told she's... harmless."
The King orders Kael to take Elira with him to the North—to keep her out of trouble and to give her a purpose. He agrees with a cold nod.
Elira is amused. She knows he thinks she's useless. Let him think so, she muses. It makes things easier.
As they leave for the North, Kael sits beside her in the carriage, silent as snow. Elira stares out the window and whispers, "This world is colder than mine ever was."
Kael doesn't answer. But he looks at her, curious. She didn't say our world.