*Holly*
The air outside the palace is thick with the scent of spices and the distant sounds of merchants hawking their wares. My heart is still pounding in my chest, urging me forward as we step into the vibrant streets of the city. The princess, her regal demeanor still intact despite the chaos we’ve left behind, points toward a narrow alleyway. “That way,” she urges, her voice steady even as her eyes dart around. “Keep to the right, It will lead you to the outer market and then to the city gates.”
“Wait,” I say, my breath coming in quick bursts. “You’re coming with us, right? We can’t just leave you here.”
She hesitates, glancing back toward the palace, its imposing silhouette looming like a shadow over us. In that moment, I see the weight of the crown she’s worn, the expectations tha
