The tension in the air was evident as they ran, both fearing what they might find. Isaac's mind raced, wondering if someone had dared harm his brother within the palace walls, while Alaric, ever the protector, was already strategizing how to handle the situation.
Then they finally arrived at the courtyard, breathless and ready for battle, only to be met with an unexpected and rather amusing sight. There, in the middle of the vast courtyard, Nicholas was running around with wild abandon, his laughter filling the air. He was playing an animated game of tag with none other than the strange, yet familiar maid who had so brazenly stood before Alaric the day before—Amaris.
Isaac's shoulders slumped with relief, though his face remained something of bewilderment and amusement. Alaric, too, halt
