Adriana stepped out of His Majesty's study and quietly closed the door behind her.

She let out a slow breath she hadn't realized she had been holding.

The meeting with the King had been far less terrifying than she had expected, yet something about His Majesty's questions lingered in her mind.

It was as though he had been searching for answers she couldn't give.

Or perhaps answers she herself didn't possess.

"My lady." Adriana looked up.

Tari hurried toward her, worry written plainly across her face.

The moment she reached Adriana, her eyes fell to the bandage wrapped around her hand.

"I've been waiting for you."

Adriana offered her a...