The moon hung high above the palace gardens, casting a silver glow over the neatly trimmed hedges and marble pathways. The soft fabric of her evening gown fluttered in the cool night breeze.
The scent of roses and damp earth filled her senses, grounding her despite the unease creeping up her spine. She had come here under the pretence of needing fresh air, but she had known Alfonso would follow. Here she stood. He gave her an offer that wasn't as hard as the task before her, but by the system, it was going to be problematic.
She was thrown into deep thoughts and there he was, her brother-in-law, standing before her with that ever-present, unreadable smirk.
He was the dark present that haunted her. His hazel eyes keenly studied her waiting for her reply. Alfonso, in dark formal attire, looked every bit the noble prince, but something was unsettling in his gaze tonight. Something that made her pulse quicken, though whether it was from unease or fear. It might be both.
