A few moments earlier, Sullivan had arrived at the palace, hopping down from his horse with urgency. As he crossed the royal garden, he spotted Nylie standing outside, her expression calm but wary.
Approaching her quickly, Sullivan asked, "What are you doing here?"
Nylie turned around swiftly and bowed deeply. "Your Highness, Princess Dahlia told me to wait here. She wanted to be alone by the lake."
"Lake?" Sullivan's heart skipped a beat as a memory surged through him—Dahlia couldn't swim. He remembered that day when, as teenagers, he had pushed her into the lake during an argument, only realizing afterward the depth of her fear of water.
Without another word, Sullivan rushed toward the lakeside, his mind racing. When he reached the water's edge, his breath caught in his throat. Dahlia was far out in the middle of the lake, struggling, her arms flailing as she tried to keep herself afloat.
