Sophia
For a moment, all I could hear was the rush of blood in my ears. My heart slammed against my ribs, and the sharp jolt from almost hitting the ground left my knees trembling.
If Erick hadn’t been there…
I gasped, one hand flying instinctively to my stomach.
The movement wasn’t conscious, it was pure instinct, like my body was shielding something precious before my mind could even catch up.
Erick’s arm was still wrapped around me, holding me upright as if he hadn’t quite convinced himself that I was steady yet.
Behind us, footsteps crunched on the stone path.
I turned and saw Queen Elise making her way back toward us, the wind tugging at the folds of her gown. She looked from me to Erick, her gaze lingering for a moment before she let out a long, drawn-out sigh that carried m
