I guided her through the residential wing to a set of glass doors that opened onto a small, private terrace overlooking the eastern gardens. Unlike the formal terraces used for state functions, this was a family space—comfortable furniture arranged to catch the morning light, flowering vines climbing the stone balustrade, a table already set for two beneath a pergola draped with wisteria.
"Oh," Lola breathed, stepping outside and turning in a slow circle to take in the view. "This is lovely."
The sun had fully risen now, bathing the gardens in golden light that made the dew-damp roses gleam like they'd been dusted with diamond powder. In the distance, the forest where we'd run last night stretched toward the mountains, a verdant tapestry against the clear blue sky.
"My mother created th
