Jasmine's POV
My feet moved faster than my thoughts, carrying me through the palace corridors until my lungs burned for air.
The King's declaration still echoed in my mind like thunder. "She's my daughter now... hold me accountable."
Those words had silenced a room full of influential elders who desperately wanted me banished. When it mattered most, he had chosen to protect me without hesitation. The weight of that moment settled deep in my chest.
I retreated deeper into the shadowed alcoves of the court chambers, but before I could disappear completely, strong fingers wrapped around my arm and dragged me behind a massive stone column.
A firm palm pressed against my lips.
"Stay quiet," Palmer's voice whispered against my ear, and my struggles ceased instantly.
When he finally released me, I stumbled backward and shot him a furious look. "Have you lost your mind?"
