After lingering a while at the training ground, Lara and Galahad finally turned away. The echoes of sparring faded behind them, replaced by the hush of the palace corridors. As they rounded a corner, they nearly collided with Alaric. The prince's expression softened the instant he saw Lara.
"Come," he said with quiet conviction, "watch the sunset with me. Behind Balai Hamili—Queen Astrid's Garden."
Without hesitation, he reached for her hand. His fingers threaded through hers, warm and steady, as if anchoring her in a world that often threatened to sweep her away. They walked in silence along the garden path, the hush of their footsteps blending with the rustle of leaves in the late afternoon breeze. Words were unnecessary; the weight and warmth of their clasped hands spoke what neither dared to voice.
