Gideon steered the car onto a winding path, veering away from the main road leading back to the palace.
Adeline pulled her hand back inside, smoothing her hair behind her ears as she noticed the change in scenery. After a few minutes of driving through a densely wooded area, she realized they were no longer on the familiar route.
"Is this a shortcut to the palace?" Adeline asked, her brow furrowing as she scanned the darkened trees.
"No, it's the way to my private residence," Gideon answered.
"What?" Adeline blinked, her heart skipping a beat in surprise.
"I thought it would be nice to show you where I actually live. I only returned to the palace a few weeks ago for the regular council meetings," Gideon explained, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. "Besides, if I don't maintain a presence there, my stepmother will use every opportunity to prove me unworthy of the crown."
"It must be tiresome," Adeline said, her gaze turning thoughtful as she watched his profile.
