NEXT

ABELLA

castle gates, the shadows of the trees providing j

told the maid before leavin

sh."She sa

ated towards me, the liveliness of the streets a stark contrast to the quiet halls of the castle. I found myself smiling for the first time in what felt like days. Here, I could breathe. Vendors were still out, calling to passersby to sample their wares, while children chased each other through the c

said, pointing to a flak

you, dear? Don't often see someone

, taking a bite

sing throu

g to shake off the unease, but the sense of being followed grew stronger with each step. The footsteps were soft, almost imperceptible, but they

iss."I hear

into view, his expression a mixture of frustration and

E SAM

OAH'

o look for. And I always knew where she was, even if she didn't realize it. Why did she have to make everything so difficult? Maybe it was the way she challenged everything or the way she refused to be molded into the perfect royal. But following her li

an into actio

. I was just another face in the crowd. Michael, a traveler, a stranger. After sh

n't seen you around

y as she took in my appearance. I could see the susp

a small smile." This town can be a bit overwhelming at nig

ghing her options. For a moment, I thoug

uess it couldn'

ce, or the castle. She was just Isabella, and I was just Michael. She didn't realize the risk she was taking, how dangerous this could be for her. She wa

beautiful.'Sh

ing. Not everything is as

rning, Michae

enough to handle yours

ht off guard by t

know my name

y. Slipping up like tha

arlier, at the stal

ompany, Michael. But I think I

eed a guide around town, you

ng to be harder than I thought. But if keeping her safe meant playing this game, then so be

eresting."M

deed is

py to use this way to know her better. It w