Ophelia wasted no time. She donned a plain cloak to disguise herself and instructed her most trusted guards to escort her discreetly. The journey to the palace was uneventful, and they reached the designated meeting spot without incident.
The private garden was bathed in the soft glow of moonlight.
Ophelia saw Adeline standing by a secluded bench, her posture tense yet resolute.
As Ophelia approached, the princess turned, her face lighting up with a mixture of relief and determination.
"Duchess Ophelia," Adeline greeted, her voice hushed. "I'm glad you came."
"Your Highness," Ophelia replied, her tone equally quiet. "Thank you for meeting me. The situation is more dire than I imagined."
Adeline nodded, her expression grave. "I suspected as much. What did you find?"
