~ Lucian’s POV

By the time we arrived at the palace, Bella had drifted off to sleep, her head resting gently against the window. She looked so peaceful, and I didn’t have the heart to wake her. Instead, I stepped out of the car and carefully opened her door, sliding my arms beneath her and lifting her into a bridal carry. She stirred slightly but didn’t wake, her soft breathing steady against my chest.

The guards at the entrance stepped aside without a word. I carried Bella through the grand hallways of the palace, her weight light in my arms, and made my way to our room. Pushing the door...