Chapter 187: The woman from Iverness...

Adrian woke before the sun even touched the horizon, feeling a knot of tension in his chest. The quiet of his chambers felt suffocating, his mind racing with thoughts of the Shadow Court and the growing threat that loomed closer every day.

He managed to untangle himself from the goddesses on the bed. Adrian wandered to the window, leaning against the cool stone frame as his gaze drifted over the palace gardens below. 

The light of dawn cast a soft, silvery glow over the greenery, and to his surprise, he saw a familiar figure moving gracefully among the flowers.

Queen Alannah, alone in the garden.

Without thinking, Adrian made his way downstairs. As his boots hit the soft grass, Alannah turned, her brown hair catching the first rays of the sun. She smiled faintly as he approached.

"Up early?" she asked in a calm voice though it carried an edge of concern.

Adrian nodded. "I could say the same for you."