The gates of Highfang Palace groaned open as the war caravan rolled through.
Inside the gilded walls, courtiers leaned from balconies, watching with masked interest as Prince Reno returned—flanked by Ironfang guards, dust on his cloak and something far stranger beside him.
A woman.
Dressed in peasant wool, her hair unkempt, and her wrists bound in leather ties.
“The runaway bride?" someone whispered.
“No. Can't be."
“She has a child… That's the prince's?"
“And she's in chains?"
Reno dismounted in silence, ignoring the voices. His eyes found Adele's as she was hauled from the wagon.
Her chin was high despite the bruises shadowing her jaw.
Rowan clung to a guard's sleeve, twisting, screaming. “Let go! That's my mama!"
“Easy, pup," the guard muttered.
Reno stepped in. “Bring him t
