Chapter 107: The Name the Streets Knew
The child did not understand politics.
She did not understand prophecy, nor crowns, nor the quiet, dangerous ways in which truth could unravel a kingdom.
But she knew a face.
The chalk slipped from her fingers.
It struck the cobblestones with a dull, forgotten tap as her gaze remained fixed upward, unblinking, unmoving.
Around her, the other children stared too. Their game had been paused from the moment the man had announced the King had another child.
The child stared. Her breath caught somewhere between disbelief and certainty.
Because she knew.
Even with the difference in dress.
Even with the mask that was not the one she had grown used to.
Even in a place that did not belong to her.
She knew exactly who the duke with a blinding smile was holding. She did not know who the duke was, but she didn't care.
"Iria…" she whispered as her eyes locked on the figure being shown by the veil.
