The carriage ride back to the palace was quiet at first. Eleanor sat beside Prince Adrian, her hands resting neatly in her lap, her mind still replaying every moment of the dinner. The tension, the unspoken words, and most of all—Princess Abigail's cold hostility.
It wasn't as though Eleanor had expected an easy welcome into Adrian's family, but Abigail's dislike of her had been more than just casual disapproval. It was something deeper, something personal. And Eleanor needed to find out why.
Adrian shifted beside her, his fingers lightly brushing against hers before taking her hand in his. His warmth was reassuring, but it did little to ease the questions swirling in her mind.
"You were remarkable tonight," Adrian said, his voice filled with admiration. "You handled yourself with such grace. My uncle respects you now, I can see it."
