Chapter 28 An Unlikely Ally

• The palace gardens were like a hidden world, their beauty nearly stealing my breath every time I wandered there. Today, sunlight danced on the dewdrops resting on the flowers, casting a soft glow on the neatly trimmed hedges and winding paths. It was a relief to be outside after so many tense days within the palace walls, where whispers followed me and the weight of judgment lingered in every room. With Lea by my side, I felt I could finally breathe again, at least for a moment.
• “Lea, do you ever feel like this place is almost too perfect?” I asked as we walked slowly through the garden, taking in the floral aromas that floated in the warm air. “Like it’s hiding something?”
• Lea chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Every place has its secrets, Lady Amelia. And some gardens can be dangerous, too. Beautiful, but thorny.”