couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in her chest. Prince Caspian was everything she had been told he would be-charming, composed, and respectful. Yet, ben

ed the elegance and grace expected of a princess. But in the privacy of her chambers, away from the public eye, Isabella couldn't escape the gnawing feeling

tered, her face beaming with the same enthusiasm sh

smile, but she quickly noticed Isabella's distant expre

"It's nothing, Clara. Just... the we

g is fast approaching, and everything is moving so quickly. But you mustn't worry. This is the path that's been laid

ce held no conviction. "It's just... I thou

ow furrowing in conce

t that when I met him, I'd feel something-anything. But t

omething more than duty. But this marriage is not just about you, Your Highness. It's

down, she knew Clara was right-her marriage wasn't meant to be about love. It was a union forged for the s

ere her refuge, a place where she could momentarily escape the pressures of the palace. The vibrant flowers, the ge

brief instant, she allowed herself to imagine a life beyond the palace walls-a life where she co

reality of her situation rushed back. Prince Caspian's visit, the wedding, the alliance-it was all happening too fast. She

ess Is

verie. She turned to see a figure stepping from the shadows of the gar

him, her mind racing to process his sudden appear

hed, his name comin

was standing a few feet away, his posture relaxed but his presence commanding. There was something about

, his voice rough but kind. "I just...

ouldn't suppress the feeling of discomfort that had settled in her stomach. "What are

dealt with worse than a few palace guards." He took a step closer, his eyes ne

nd the bond that seemed to exist between them. She knew he was dangerous, but there was something about him

but her voice lacked conviction. Part o

nce between them. "And yet, here I am. I couldn't s

expected him to bring up the assassination attempt

rembling slightly. "You don't belong here, Thorne. You're from a

nsity in his gaze-concern, maybe, or something more tender. "I saved you because I couldn't just let you die. You're import

how to respond. She had been raised to be the perfect princess, to understand the importance of alliance

ered, her voice barely audible. "But I know I

unreadable. Then, without another word, he turned and w

red in the air around her. She didn't know what it was-this connection betwe