As Chloe’s slow pace quickened, her limping stride became more pronounced, but she was too absorbed in the path ahead to pay it heed. The trees that loomed in the distance, seemingly within reach, remained teasingly elusive, a realization that filled her with a peculiar delight.
She felt relief in knowing that no one could see or hear her silently cascading tears and her breaths, now interspersed with sobs. Though she had great authority as queen, it could not trump her safety. The guards, having failed to dissuade her from this sudden escapade, were undoubtedly privy to the whispered rumors. But as sympathetic as they might be for her plight, she could not allow them to witness her façade crumble.
* * *
The news reached Damien just as he was returning from a hunting expedition.
“Where is the Queen?”
“We received a message from the monastery two hours ago confirming that she has concluded her appointments.”
