Gianna's POV

Inhale. Exhale. I straightened my spine, forcing myself to keep my gaze forward, though I felt General Emiliano's eyes lingering on me. From the moment we’d left the dining hall, we walked in silence toward the gardens. Having him this close, I decided the open space of the gardens might help lessen the suffocation his presence brought. It was the best option I had.

"You're awfully quiet, Gianna." Emiliano chuckled as we stepped outside through the main castle doors.

"I thought we were here to talk?"

I halted, catching him off guard, and he almost stumbled as he tried to keep pace. Forcing a calm exterior, I answered,...