Henry's POVI saw her before Cedrick did.A flash of white rounding the far corner of the corridor, Beatrice, still in her performance gown, moving fast. Cedrick had been mid-sentence with Elder Thorne, discussing patrol rotations along the southern ridge. His words stopped and his head turned, tracking the movement.His brow furrowed deeply."Excuse me," he said to the elders, though the words carried no apology. He was already walking.I followed. The corridor Beatrice had turned down led to the service elevator at the back of the Palace, a narrow, iron-gated lift used by servants and kitchen staff. By the time we reached it, the gate had already closed. Through the latticed iron, I caught one last glimpse of white fabric disappearing downward."She's headed back to the main palace," I said. "I can send a guard to—"Cedrick raised a hand. I stopped.Footsteps behind us. Martin appeared around the corner, his pace unhurried, his expression carrying only mild curiosity. If he had bee
Read more