Reina’s POVThe halls of the palace were quiet as they took us away.Julian’s breath was heavy beside me. He tried to walk straight, even with bruises blooming across his face and blood crusted along his shirt collar. His wrists were still bound. He didn’t look at me, but I could feel him—his presence steady, like a shield I could no longer touch.The guards led us down a path I didn’t recognize. Past the throne chamber, beyond the courtyards and guest halls, deeper into the stone belly of the palace.This wasn’t the way to the dungeons.This was worse.We stopped before a tall wooden door reinforced with iron. One of the guards knocked twice. The door creaked open, and I felt a chill run down my spine.It was the High Chamberlain’s room.I had only learnt about once from a book I read before in the Convent’s library. This served for royal ceremonies. For discipline.This was no longer about disappointment.This was judgment.They shoved Julian inside first. I followed quickly before
Reina’s POV The sound of the helicopter echoed through the convent walls. My heart beat fast as I stood outside, my hands clasped tightly in front of me. The royal helicopter had come for us. For me and Julian. I didn’t know how to feel. I had waited so long for this moment—to go to Lucien Green, to finally meet and be with my family—but now that it was here, I was nervous. More than nervous. Julian stood beside me, quiet as always. His face showed no fear, but I knew him well enough now to sense the tension in his posture. He hadn’t said much since the visit to the nuns earlier that morning. I hadn’t either. I felt like something big was coming, and I didn’t know if I was ready for it. The blades of the helicopter spun fast, lifting dust and bits of leaves into the air. I looked up at it, my veil flapping behind me. A soldier stepped down and gestured for us to come forward. Julian helped me climb in. The door closed behind us, shutting out the noise of the outside world. Ins
Reina’s POV The sound of the helicopter echoed through the convent walls. My heart beat fast as I stood outside, my hands clasped tightly in front of me. The royal helicopter had come for us. For me and Julian. I didn’t know how to feel. I had waited so long for this moment—to go to Lucien Green, to finally meet and be with my family—but now that it was here, I was nervous. More than nervous. Julian stood beside me, quiet as always. His face showed no fear, but I knew him well enough now to sense the tension in his posture. He hadn’t said much since the visit to the nuns earlier that morning. I hadn’t either. I felt like something big was coming, and I didn’t know if I was ready for it. The blades of the helicopter spun fast, lifting dust and bits of leaves into the air. I looked up at it, my veil flapping behind me. A soldier stepped down and gestured for us to come forward. Julian helped me climb in. The door closed behind us, shutting out the noise of the outside world. Ins
Reina’s POV The sound of the helicopter echoed through the convent walls. My heart beat fast as I stood outside, my hands clasped tightly in front of me. The royal helicopter had come for us. For me and Julian. I didn’t know how to feel. I had waited so long for this moment—to go to Lucien Green, to finally meet and be with my family—but now that it was here, I was nervous. More than nervous. Julian stood beside me, quiet as always. His face showed no fear, but I knew him well enough now to sense the tension in his posture. He hadn’t said much since the visit to the nuns earlier that morning. I hadn’t either. I felt like something big was coming, and I didn’t know if I was ready for it. The blades of the helicopter spun fast, lifting dust and bits of leaves into the air. I looked up at it, my veil flapping behind me. A soldier stepped down and gestured for us to come forward. Julian helped me climb in. The door closed behind us, shutting out the noise of the outside world. Inside,
Reina’s POVThe sound of the helicopter echoed through the convent walls. My heart beat fast as I stood outside, my hands clasped tightly in front of me. The royal helicopter had come for us. For me and Julian. I didn’t know how to feel. I had waited so long for this moment—to go to Lucien Green, to finally meet and be with my family—but now that it was here, I was nervous. More than nervous.Julian stood beside me, quiet as always. His face showed no fear, but I knew him well enough now to sense the tension in his posture. He hadn’t said much since the visit to the nuns earlier that morning. I hadn’t either. I felt like something big was coming, and I didn’t know if I was ready for it.The blades of the helicopter spun fast, lifting dust and bits of leaves into the air. I looked up at it, my veil flapping behind me. A soldier stepped down and gestured for us to come forward.Julian helped me climb in. The door closed behind us, shutting out the noise of the outside world. Inside, it
Reina’s povThe sun hadn’t even risen fully when Julian knocked on my door. I was already up, sitting quietly on the edge of my narrow bed, dressed as my usual self, my bag packed beside me. The silence of the apartment made every sound echo Julian’s footsteps, the creak of the old floorboards, the flutter of my heart.Today was the day I would leave for Lucien Green. Julian was to take me to the royal palace and reunite me with my family. I hadn't thought I'll witness this day,I spent an entire night thinking of how I'd face them, can I do it with excitement, or with dread. But I never expected what happened this morning.Just as I was about to step out with Julian, a message came from Mother Catrolina, the Mother General of our order. She wanted to see me before I left. Not just her, but all the nuns had gathered for a special blessing. I could hardly say no.With a soft sigh, I turned to Julian. “We need to stop by the chapel first. Mother Catrolina wants to see me.”He nodded quie