Chapter 28: chapter twenty eight Separate Ways

William sat in his wheelchair, the faint creak of the wheels echoing through the quiet halls of the palace as he wheeled to his chambers. Anna's recent anger toward him had left a mark deeper than he was willing to admit.

He needed answers. He needed to confront her and understand what had gone so wrong. Had he failed her in some way? Or was it something else, something hidden beneath the surface, that drove her to such frustration?

Reaching his chambers, he paused at the window. The moonlight spilled through the edges of the heavy curtains. Slowly, he wheeled himself closer and pulled the curtain aside. Staring at the clear sky, he was once again reminded of the freedom he once had but could no longer reach.

With a deep breath, he unlatched the window and pushed it open. The cold night air swept in, prickling his skin. He gazed upward, 'somewhere in that endless sky,' he wondered, 'was there a way to mend the rift between them?'