ISOLDE

I should have known they wouldn’t allow me. Rowan never made things easy. His command was iron, and the moment I dared step beyond three paces, three royal guards appeared like shadows cutting through the corridor. They bowed low, their voices echoing as one.

“Your Highness.”

Their respect only burned me deeper. I knew what it meant. He had ordered them to block me again. He always did this, caging me without chains.

Fury swelled in my chest, but I forced myself to turn away ...