Chapter 52 Ancient Library

• Gideon's touch lingered against Bobby's lower back as they walked through corridors dimmed by the late hour. Palace guards nodded respectfully as the prince escorted his guest toward the guest wing, their presence a reminder that safety existed within these walls despite the evening's unsettling observations.
• "Tomorrow, I'll show you the training grounds where I learned swordplay," Gideon promised, his voice carrying warmth that chased away the chill from their balcony conversation. "My instructor claimed I possessed natural talent, though I suspect he merely wished to avoid disappointing the future king."
• Bobby smiled despite her lingering unease. "I doubt flattery motivated anyone brave enough to train royalty. Your father wouldn't have tolerated instructors who offered false praise."