(Lina)
I'd spent the morning thinking about the letter I'd found, Isabella's words still in my mind. Her warning about Elara was haunting me, and as much as I tried to put it aside for now, it kept coming back, filling my mind with questions. Why had she been so worried? And why hadn't she told anyone?
Lost in thought, I almost missed the familiar voice calling my name.
"Princess Isabella?" Captain Gerard stepped forward, bowing slightly as he approached. There was a look of concern on his face, one I knew well by now. Captain Gerard was one of the few people I trusted here, even if he didn't know the real me. He had always been loyal to Isabella, and I could see that same loyalty whenever he looked at me.
"Yes, Captain?" I asked, meeting his gaze.
"I was wondering if I might have a word with you," he said, glancing around to make sure we were alone.
I nodded, taking a step aside to allow him to speak freely. "Of course."
