The Eastern Tower of Iniko Palace was not meant for criminals.
It was meant for inconveniences.
Unwanted wives.
Disgraced nobles.
Secrets.
Serah sat by the narrow stone window, moonlight brushing against her chocolate skin like a memory she didn't deserve.
Chains no longer bound her hands.
But the door remained locked.
She had replayed the moment in the garden a hundred times.
The kiss.
The warmth.
The way he looked at her like she was chosen.
Foolish.
Expensive.
Dangerous.
She pressed her forehead against the cold wall.
I should have known better.
Love was not built for women like her.
Not for illegitimate daughters.
Not for shadows.
Her mother had died hours after giving birth to her — a palace servant who had dared to love a king.
A mistake.
A scandal.
A reminder the Queen of Olanre had never forgiven.
Her father — the King of Olanre Kingdom — had acknowledged her quietly.
Fed her.
Educated her.
Trained her.
But never held her.
Never defended her.
Because peace in the royal household required her silence.
And now…
She had reached again.
For something not hers.