Chapter 14

• I feel the cool evening breeze flowing through my hair as I walk down the ancient cobblestone path of the castle gardens. The setting sun casts long shadows across the meticulously maintained flower beds, painting everything in hues of amber and gold. I've just finished another exhausting crown princess training session with Queen Grace—four hours of proper etiquette, diplomatic history, and the intricacies of royal bloodlines. My shoulders ache from maintaining perfect posture, and my mind feels like it's stuffed with cotton.
• I would love nothing more than to collapse in my chamber and soak in a hot bath, washing away the day's frustrations. Instead, I'm here, trying to savor these precious moments of solitude before tomorrow brings another grueling round of duties. The sweet fragrance of roses mingles with the earthy scent of freshly watered soil, offering small comfort to my weary spirit.
• My daily routine at the castle has become a carefully orchestrated dance—mornings spent in the arena, sword clashing against sword, sweat soaking through my training leathers, muscles burning with exertion. Then afternoons and evenings devoted to learning the impossible art of being the future crown princess. The mud and honesty of the training grounds replaced by silk gowns and political double-speak. It was the compromise we agreed to when Queen Grace informed me with that stern, unyielding expression that I would no longer serve as Knox's personal guard.