Dydra turned quickly, eager to leave before fate decided to test her any further. In her heart, she whispered a quiet prayer—one simple request.
Let me not run into another noble.
But fate, it seemed, had little interest in her prayers.
Her steps quickened as she moved down the corridor, her gaze lowered, her thoughts still tangled from everything that had just happened. She took a sharp turn at the end of the hall—
—and walked straight into someone.
Again.
For a split second, Dydra considered the possibility that the palace floors might open up and swallow her whole. It would certainly be kinder than whatever awaited her now.
"Apologies, I didn't see you there," she said quickly, already bracing herself.
"Oh? When has the little fox turned blind?"
The voice was familiar.
Dydra blinked, startled, before looking up—and relief washed over her almost instantly. A small smile tugged at her lips.
There he was.
The elite.
