Anna stood by the window, her arms crossed tightly over her chest as a sombre pout settled on her face.
Beyond the wooden frame, the sea stretched quietly beneath the sky. The salty breeze drifted in through the slightly open shutters, carrying the distant sound of waves breaking on the shore and the creaking of boats swaying at the docks.
Everything outside was calm. Yet none of it eased the tension filling the boathouse.
Before the princess stood Kiev, the very man who had appeared at the tavern and dragged her straight here without giving her the chance to protest properly.
Behind him was Callis, unusually quiet, while Agnes remained a little further away, shoulders drawn in as guilt lingered plainly across her face.
The Mederian princess looked concerned. Anna's sudden disappearance had thrown the entire palace into unrest the moment her absence was discovered.
