River’s footsteps echoed faintly in the stone hallway as she left her parents’ chambers behind. The corridors of the royal palace, though elegantly lit and richly adorned, felt colder than usual—like marble veins wrapped in quiet judgment.
Her mind raced. Words spun and tangled within her like a whirlwind—her mother's revelation, her father's sorrow, Isabelle's venom, the hovering threat of ceremony, and the pressure of a kingdom’s gaze.
Her feet guided her toward her shared room with Prince Heiko, but her soul lagged behind, dragging its heels.
By the time she reached the heavy double doors, her hands trembled. She turned the handle gently, peeking inside—her breath held tight.
Empty.
A wave of relief swept over her chest as she stepped inside and closed the door behind her with a q
