Adrian left the palace feeling hollow, the emptiness in his chest heavier than the bruises on his body. His heart was made up now. He would do exactly what Elara had said. He would get help.
Just as Elara had pointed out, his father saw him as a fool. And maybe he truly was one if he had ever believed these people would stand with him out of pity when the time came.
By the time he got back to his manor, Elara was already dressed in a fresh set of clothes, a clear sign that she had washed while he was away.
Adrian paused by the doorway and simply watched her for a while.
He wondered how a girl once adored by the entire kingdom could ruin her own future by deciding to remain with him. Elara was brilliant, smart, and dangerous. She had no reason to stay, no reason to tie herself to a prince who had just lost everything. Yet even now, when he had nothing left to offer, she was still here.
He walked closer to her before finally speaking.
