Bella's POV
The gatekeeper escorted me through the entrance into Julian's courtyard.
The moment I crossed the threshold, the stunning collection of exotic blooms and rare plants caught my attention completely.
Helena had spared no expense in Julian's recovery—his clothes, food, living space, everything had been arranged with painstaking precision.
Even the garden's flora had been chosen with deliberate care, each specimen selected for its particular qualities.
Despite these efforts, Julian's condition seemed to worsen with each passing day.
I recalled his childhood energy and wondered how he'd declined so rapidly in such a brief time.
These thoughts occupied my mind as I entered the main residence.
Helena occupied her chair with elegant poise, her royal attire impeccable. But beneath her carefully applied cosmetics, exhaustion marked every feature.
I moved forward and offered a respectful curtsey.
She gestured weakly. "Stand up. Take a seat."
