Evelina didn't remember sprinting down the entire south wing of the palace.
Her heart pounded in her chest, her feet flying over the polished floors as she followed Jasper through the winding halls. Servants stepped aside, startled by her speed, but she barely noticed them.
"Training yard?" she repeated breathlessly. "What happened? Was it Zade again?"
Jasper didn't answer—just gave her a vague, apologetic look as they reached the double doors that led to the outer grounds.
"Damian's too stubborn to back down," she muttered under her breath. "And Zade's too proud to walk away."
Relia stirred in her mind, unimpressed. If that overgrown puppy laid a finger on our mate again, I swear I'm tearing out some princely fur.
"Damian can handle himself," Evelina muttered aloud.
Jasper heard her. "Ah… well. About that—"
Evelina shoved through the double doors leading to the outer court, blinking against the sudden brightness—and then… stopped.
