Adrian stepped out into the cool evening breeze, his eyes scanning the palace grounds. He had searched the courtyard, the gardens—everywhere. But Amber was nowhere to be found.
Then he remembered.
There was always one place she went when she was upset. A quiet corner on the far side of the estate where two old wooden swings still stood under a blooming tree. That had always been their childhood hideout.
And sure enough, as he turned the corner, he saw her.
Amber sat alone on one of the swings, her hands resting on her lap, her face turned to the ground, eyes distant. She didn’t move when he approached.
Adrian let out a soft chuckle. “I knew I’d find you here.”
Amber didn’t reply. After a long pause, she spoke, her voice low and heavy with emotion.
“Why did you come back?”
Adrian bl
