Alexander POV
I put the note out early in the morning. I wrote only one line at the back; do not follow.
Wrapped up in her arm against the cold and with sleepless eyes, Eliana sat and awaited in the hall. She hadn’t spoken much since last night. But she hadn’t let go of my hand, either.
We moved fast. No goodbyes. No explanations. Just a bag, a cloak, and the promise of distance.
Only Astrid knew where we were going barely. I’d told her just enough to cover our tracks, and she’d nodded with that familiar sharp glint in her eyes. She’d handle the rumors. Buy us time.
Our escort was small. Two trusted soldiers. Quiet. Loyal. Trained to disappear. They rode ahead, sweeping the road for threats. Eliana and I followed behind on horseback.
Neither of us spoke.
And maybe that silence was w
