King Malachai's POV
King Malachai sat alone on his throne, watching the revelers in the ballroom with a cold and distant gaze. They were dancing and laughing, feasting and drinking, as if they had forgotten the reason for this gathering.
It was supposed to be a solemn occasion, a day to honor and mourn his late queen, who had died giving birth to his youngest son. But Malachai knew they were only here to curry favor with him, to flatter and appease him while some spied, and others schemed against him.
He closed his eyes, trying to escape the noise and the hypocrisy. He wished he could see her face again, the face that had haunted his dreams for years. Her gentle smile, her bright eyes and soft hair.
She had been the only one who loved him truly, who had seen past his dark and twisted nature brought on by his curse. To Malachai, She had been his light, his grace, and his salvation.