One Month Later – Royal Garden
The royal garden bloomed in full glory as spring deepened its hold over the royal city.The soft clinking of goblets, polite laughter, and the rustling of silks wove through the trimmed hedges and rose-laced paths. Queen Anastasia sat at the head of a long table beneath a white pavilion, her back straight, her smile effortless. Today, she was hosting the noble ladies of the court, a gesture meant to display unity and peace, though her heart stirred with unease.
Beneath the surface of laughter and wine, her mind wandered to Dorothy. A month had passed since Gavin brought word of the secret meeting, and although nothing else had occurred, the silence only deepened her suspicion.
