As Valerie stood before Islinda's cell, his focus solely on the woman confined within, a shadow fell over him. Sensing a presence behind him, he turned, his gaze locking onto the figure of a Fae officer standing just a few paces away. The officer's expression morphed from curiosity to suspicion as he observed Valerie's proximity to the cell.
"You! What are you doing, standing right there?" the officer demanded, his tone edged with authority.
Valerie's jaw clenched, a flicker of irritation dancing in his eyes at the interruption. But as he met the officer's gaze, something shifted. Perhaps it was the lethal intensity burning in Valerie's eyes, or perhaps it was the dawning recognition of his royal lineage that caused the officer to falter, a gasp escaping his lips.
"Your Highness!" The officer gasped, bowing his head and drawing the attention of his acquaintances who were yet to understand what was happening although there was suspicion in their eyes.
