~ Isabella’s POV

Lucian studied my face for a moment longer before finally nodding, though I could see the concern still lingered in his eyes. "Alright," he said quietly, "I’ll let it go for now. But if you need anything, you’ll tell me, right?"

I smiled softly. "I will."

His expression softened again, and then, almost out of nowhere, his lips curved into a grin. “I had something else in mind for today.” He let go of my hand and stepped back, his eyes lighting up with excitement. “I’ve been thinking that maybe you need a break from everything here at the palace. How would you feel about getting out...