The night air in Blaine carried a soft coolness. Behind the towering pillars of the palace, the royal flower gardens stretched like a sea of colors that were barely visible in the darkness. However, the light of lanterns hanging between the pillars and the paths created a serene atmosphere that contrasted with the festivities inside the palace.
Cecilia stood among the flowers, her long robes lifting slightly as the wind blew. Beside her, Robert stood calm but alert, his eyes still scanning the surroundings as if each petal could hide danger from his master.
But the silence of the night was soon broken by the sound of heavy footsteps approaching. Cecilia knew who it was even before he appeared behind the stone archway adorned with vines.
Cedric.
Cecilia went outside the palace to avoid him. But even if she did, Cedric seemed to be able to find her easily in his palace.
