198
~Belinda's POV
He shifted, glancing toward the shadows behind him, and before I could demand an answer, someone stepped out. My heart gave a jolt.
Fridolf. The triplets' uncle. I hadn't seen him in years, yet I knew that face the moment it appeared. His eyes still held that same dangerous glint, the one that never softened even when he smiled.
I straightened instantly, smoothing down my dress as if I hadn't been raging against the walls moments ago. My voice slid into something light, almost welcoming.
"Well, well," I said, taking a step forward. "It's been a while. I had no idea you were here, in the palace." His mouth curved faintly, but there was no warmth in it. "Belinda."
I smiled at him, sharp at the edges. "And here I thought I was forgotten. Seems I was wrong." Inside, though, my mind was already spinning. If Fridolf was here, then everything had just shifted. He wasn't a man who moved without purpose. If he had come to me now, there had to be a reason.
