After saying goodbye, the queen waved at him with a gentle smile.
Edward bowed once more and then turned away.
As he left the palace gates, he glanced at his wristwatch again.
It was already six.
The sky had turned completely dark.
Winter nights fell early, unlike summer
evenings when the sky stayed light for a long time.
Now, thick darkness covered the sky, and only the lights of the city pushed it back.
Lanterns lined the roads, glowing softly, and the streets were filled with quiet movement as people returned to their homes.
Edward should have been worried about being late.
But strangely, his mood was light.
The queen's words echoed in his mind, and each time he remembered them, his steps felt easier.
Her approval had lifted a weight he did not even realize he was carrying.
He let out a slow breath, one he had been holding for a long time.
With his status and abilities, he knew it would not be difficult.
Still, permission mattered.
