Evelyn sat by the window of the small chamber Prince Ronan had given her, staring out at the moonlit garden below. The night was still, but her mind churned with thoughts and fears.
She traced her fingers along the rim of the porcelain cup in her hand, her tea long since gone cold. Could she trust Ronan? He had saved her from death, yes. But kindness in this world often came with a price.
A soft knock broke her from her thoughts. Before she could answer, Ronan stepped inside, carrying a bundle of scrolls and maps. His dark cloak fluttered behind him like the shadows of the night itself.
"Still awake?" he asked gently, placing the scrolls on a nearby table.
"I can't sleep," Evelyn admitted, her voice soft but steady. "Too much on my mind."
He nodded knowingly. "Understandable. After all, the man you loved betrayed you. You lost everything in one night."
Evelyn's heart twisted at his words, but she refused to let her emotions take over. Not now.
