Sylvia’s POV
The palace was too quiet.
I slipped out of King Lucian’s office as dawn brushed the windows. My steps echoed against the stone floors, polished so smoothly that I could see my reflection if I glanced down. It should have impressed me. Instead, it made me itch.
Nothing this perfect came without a price.
Instead of returning to my room, I decided to explore a bit. Probably foolish considering how I was dressed, but I doubted many were awake during this hour.
The hallways stretched on and on, lined with tapestries and sconces that never flickered. Gold thread in the curtains, intricate carving in the doors, rugs thick enough to swallow sound. It was beautiful, opulent even.
But I didn’t trust any of it; I didn’t trust him.
No matter how steady his voice had been or h
