Riley's POV
The palace was even grander than I had thought it to be. Towering walls, shining marble floors, and the heavy scent of roses from the garden made my stomach twist. I was used to quiet corners and wooden floors, not gold trimmings and guards in static motion. As the car passed through the front gates, I felt the nervous flutter I always tried to hide.
I sat beside Norman in the car, pretending to be calm. He looked so sure of himself, like always—shoulders straight, eyes steady, lips set in that quiet line he wore when he was deep in thought. I admired him so much, maybe too much. He belonged here. This world was his. But me? Sometimes I wasn’t so sure.
"You’re quiet," he said, turning to look at me.
"I’m just thinking." I gave him a small smile, hoping it would pass as enou
