Back in the castle, Dominic was growing more and more restless as the hours ticked by without a word from Chloe. She was nowhere to be found, and his heart was pounding with worry. He knew that the situation with Chloe was a sensitive one, and he was afraid of the way his proposal would be received. But the anxiety of not knowing where she was only increased his trepidation.
"Your Highness, we have received word from the guards," one of the palace servants said, bowing before the him.
"What news do you have?" Dominic asked, his voice taut with tension. The guard cleared his throat and spoke in a measured tone. "We have searched the castle and the surrounding grounds, but we have not found any sign of Lady Chloe. We have dispatched a search party to the village, but we have not yet heard
