Later that afternoon, needing fresh air to clear her mind, Rosalie wandered into the glass-walled winter conservatories that overlooked the snowy palace gardens. The air inside the glass house was humid and sweet, filled with blooming white camellias, rare frost roses, and sprawling evergreen ivy. Parsha and Jenny walked beside her, carrying baskets of fresh blooms, while Rosalie laughed softly, chatting with the head gardener about which flowers would suit the nursery best.The peaceful atmosphere shattered the moment heavy, hurried footsteps echoed sharply against the marble floor.It was Griat. He had returned sooner than expected from the border perimeter, his dark cloak billowing behind him, his boots dusted with snow. His jaw was set in a tight, grim line, his hand resting instinctively on the pommel of his sword. The usual relaxed, respectful smile he wore around Rosalie was absent,
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