IV
Adrien’s estate was perched at the top of one of the many hills that carved the landscape of Valford. At the edge of the gardens, it was easy to see the lively city shops below. Smaller homes were scattered among the adjacent hills, before spilling into the streets surrounding the center of town. The carriage bounced along the winding road leading down into the main streets. Adrien had debunked my idea of walking the path- he claimed we would need the carriage to fit my wardrobe alone- and I was not about to argue with him. Fall colors painted the many trees lining the roads and dotting the hills; oranges, yellows, reds. Time had escaped me, it felt as if I’d entirely discarded summer. A gentle breeze danced through the foliage and played with loose strands of my hair. From the corner
