Gideon's frown deepened as he processed her words, his mind already working through the implications of Janessa's claim.
He leaned in close as he whispered a private instruction into her ear. Adeline didn't pull away; she simply stared back at him with wide eyes and gave a nod of agreement.
The journey continued in a silence. By the time they crossed back over the Western borders and arrived at the palace, the moon was high and it was nearing midnight.
As they reached the top of the grand staircase, Adeline stopped and turned to him, her posture slumped with exhaustion. "I would like to be alone tonight," she said. "I mean... I want to sleep alone."
Gideon studied her, his protective instincts warring with the need to give her space. "Sure," he finally conceded. "But what about your meals? You didn't touch a thing during the flight. At this rate, you'll fall sick. You're already thin as it is." His gaze was clouded with genuine worry as he took in her pale complexion.
