_Katherine’s POV_
I hummed softly under my breath as I stirred a pot of soup, the rich scent of herbs and vegetables wrapping around me like a warm blanket. Maria was slicing seasoned meat at the table nearby, occasionally tossing instructions my way as we worked together to prepare lunch and dinner. It was a quiet afternoon, the kind that normally brought comfort.
But today, a strange tension hung in the air. I couldn’t name it, but I felt it—just like the heaviness that had settled in my chest since last night’s unexpected date with Lucian. It had been perfect. And yet, it had left behind a flutter in my stomach which I didn’t know how to calm.
Then, a knock at the kitchen door interrupted the stillness.
One of the guards stepped inside. He nodded respectfully toward Maria.
“The Alp
