They began to walk side by side through the long corridor, the marble floor echoing softly beneath their steps. The tension in her chest started to ease as he asked her polite questions about her journey, her home territory, the weather. His demeanor was easy, cultured—a true royal.
Then he paused again, this time at the end of the hallway, where an arched window opened to the gardens.
“I hope you don’t mind me asking a personal question,” Thas said, turning toward her slightly. “Forgive the intrusion, but… are you promised to anyone?”
The question struck like a bolt of lightning. Isabelle’s breath hitched.
“N-No,” she managed, her heartbeat thundering in her ears.
Thas tilted his head, a look of mock surprise on his face. “That is a surprise.”
He studied her a moment longer, eyes li
