Chapter Ninety-Six: Retribution For Aiden

Kiara POV: Life has a funny way of fooling you into thinking you've walked in a straight line, only to circle you back to where you started. One week. That's how long it had been since I came back. Three days since the medical ward released me, their diagnostics said I was fit to re-enter my everyday life. And just like that, it was as if I had never left. My mornings were as uproarious as ever. Rex, JJ, and I had resumed our relentless banter that would often escalate into full-blown, albeit harmless, verbal duels. Just this morning, Rex had pulled a face that was a comic blend of concern and mischief. "Your Highness, are you sure you're still equipped for royal duties? Being away must've dulled your royal snark." JJ chimed in, nudging Rex aside as he smirked. "Yeah, Kiki, we've gotta ensure our queen can still kick our asses on the regular, you know?" They seemed the same, but I sensed an added layer of protectiveness in their teasing, a barely concealed relief that I was back, safe