The palace gardens were quiet, bathed in the golden glow of a setting sun. Eleanor walked along the winding paths, the evening air heavy with the scent of blooming flowers. She found Adrian near a secluded fountain, his figure hunched slightly as he gazed into the rippling water.
She hesitated, unsure if she should approach. There was a weight in his posture, a tension that seemed out of place for someone who always exuded confidence and control. Finally, she stepped forward, the sound of her shoes against the stone path drawing his attention.
"Should I leave you alone?" she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Adrian glanced at her, his dark eyes shadowed with something she couldn't quite place. "No," he said after a moment. "Stay."
