Chapter 17 Sixteen

• The air was thick with tension as they sprinted forward, both dreading what they might discover. Kieran's mind raced with the possibility that someone had dared to harm his brother within the palace, while Draeven, ever the protector, was already planning his next move to handle the situation.
• When they finally reached the courtyard, breathless and ready for conflict, they were met with an entirely unexpected—and rather amusing—scene. In the middle of the vast courtyard, Darius was running around with unrestrained joy, his laughter echoing through the space. He was caught up in a lively game of tag with none other than the bold maid who had fearlessly confronted Draeven the previous day—Avelyn.
• Kieran's shoulders sagged with relief, though his expression remained a mixture of confusion and amusement. Draeven, too, came to an abrupt stop, blinking at the sight before him. Rather than being in any danger, Darius was squealing with delight as he darted around, glancing back at Avelyn, who chased after him with a playful grin. Her skirts were gathered just enough to allow her to move freely, and her laughter filled the air, as if, for that fleeting moment, the weight of the palace and her place within it had completely disappeared.