A long journey had been hastily planned after that night.
I would sail north, across the sea, to the independent empire of Verelen — to find the antidote for Killian. And… to take Xavier home.
But I couldn't just vanish overnight. The serpents in court would surely seize the chance to strike in my absence.
First, I needed someone to keep them at bay. The best candidate: Dylan.
After the duel with Cassian, he had been injured and was now recovering at his private estate.
I stepped down from the royal carriage and was greeted with the full courtesy of the duke's household.
"Welcome, Your Highness."
The butler, a seasoned middle-aged man with a calculating gaze, bowed low to me with the air of someone long-accustomed to navigating political storms.
I nodded in return, letting my gaze drift toward the sprawling camellia garden that wrapped around the grand estate. Red camellias — elegant, resilient.
I hadn't taken Dylan for someone with a taste in flowers. Especially not these.