THIRTY TWO

AVA

Darian didn't answer my calls. I hadn't intended to stay away from him while he mourned. He was the heir apparent to the throne. Therefore, he had to stay in the palace to prepare for his coronation.

Unable to keep myself away from him anymore, I'd decided to go to the palace to see him. It was risky business, but I needed to see him to make sure he was doing okay.

Slipping past the royal guards was quite a complex task. And, while I managed to enter the palace halls unseen, my heart was thumping rapidly. My anxiety peaked, unease gnawing at my insides.

Silence hung heavy in the air. The palace seemed more eerie than I'd expected. To make sure I didn't raise any suspicion among the guards, I ambushed one of the maids and quickly changed my clothes.

Now dressed as a maid, I made my way to the inner court, and by chance, I saw the royal chamber. Written on the door in gold were the words, 'His Majesty's Chamber.'

Two stoic guards were stationed along the passageway, swords in