I stepped out of the Queen's residence at an unhurried pace. The door closed softly behind me as I spotted Adrian waiting at the end of the corridor, one shoulder resting casually against the wall beside the garden.
Despite his casual appearance and relaxed posture, there was no mistaking the commanding presence of the Crown Prince. Occasionally, he glanced down at his wristwatch.
"Ah, finally." He greeted me with his awkward attempt at humor. "I was beginning to think you'd decided to leave through the window."
"Are you disappointed to see me here, Your Highness?" I asked. "I've been held up for more than an hour. You promised me thirty minutes."
"I wasn't the one keeping you. Mother was." His voice remained calm. "I had nothing to do with it. In fact, I just lost five gold coins."
"
