Chapter 121

Someone was standing in front of the bed.

The light spilling in from outside was too dim to make him out clearly, but Adele knew, by instinct alone, exactly who it was.

How could she not know him? He was carved into her heart, a mark that never faded.

But being alone with him like this, just the two of them, frightened her for some reason.

What had he been thinking, watching her sleep in the dark like that?

Whatever it was, it hadn't been longing — of that much she was certain. A cold chill came off him, mixed with the faint smell of liquor.

She felt as afraid as if she'd been set down in front of a beast that might lunge for her throat at any moment.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty. I was tired and must have dozed off without meaning to."

Adele climbed out of the…