178
~Lisa's POV
I stood frozen for a heartbeat after Damon agreed to take me outside, my chest still rising and falling faster than it should. The relief that swept through me was so powerful it almost brought tears to my eyes. I hadn't realized how much the palace walls weighed on me until I heard him say, "Fine."
Without wasting time, he turned toward the door and called for one of his guards. His voice carried authority, deep and unwavering, even though I could feel the tension still thrumming in him.
"Prepare the palanquin," Damon ordered. "And make sure food is packed, fruits, bread, and wine. Enough for a picnic."
The guard bowed low, fist pressed to his chest. "At once, my lord."
As the guard hurried away, Damon closed the door, and suddenly the chamber felt smaller, quieter, filled only with the sound of my own heartbeat. He turned back to me, and his sharp gaze softened just slightly.
