Selene's POV
Adrian didn't avoid her this time.
Selene felt the shift the moment she stepped into the main courtyard later that afternoon. The usual low murmur of voices dipped noticeably as she walked through. Heads turned. Shoulders shifted. Conversations faltered for half a second before picking up again in hushed tones. But the biggest change wasn't the watching eyes—it was the man walking right beside her.
Adrian moved with his usual calm express, but he stayed close. Close enough that his sleeve brushed hers more than once. Close enough that when she slowed her pace, he slowed with her without a word. His hand rested lightly at the small of her back for a few seconds as they passed a group of nobles, then dropped away again like it was the most natural thing in the world.
