The soft music from the orchestra filtered through the royal gardens as Queen Seraphina led us to a secluded alcove. My eyes scanned the surrounding area, still uneasy after the night's events. The memory of being dragged into the shadows at the ball last week lingered like a persistent shadow. If not for Reed's timely intervention...
"Isabella, you're looking over your shoulder again," Seraphina said gently, her regal posture relaxing as we settled onto cushioned seats away from prying eyes. "Are you still thinking about the attack?"
I smoothed my lavender gown, a gift from Alaric that he insisted brought out the green in my eyes. "I apologize, Your Majesty. Old habits die hard, especially after recent events."
"Please, it's just Seraphina when we're alone," she insisted, gesturing to our small circle of friends. "This is precisely why I arranged this private gathering—away from courtiers' ears."
