[Lavinia's POV — Everheart Estate Courtyard—Minutes Later]
Cold night air slapped against my cheeks the moment the doors slammed shut behind us. The courtyard was quiet. Too quiet.
The distant music from the hall had collapsed into a confused lull—nobles whispering, scrambling to rearrange their pride and hierarchy.
Sir Haldor walked beside me, silent… and oddly rigid. His hand was still in mine.
I stopped.
Only then did he seem to realize it—he immediately released my hand and bowed so fast his cape nearly hit the gravel.
"Forgive me, Your Highness. I did not intend to—"
I sighed through my nose. "Haldor, if you apologize one more time tonight, I swear I'll throw you into that fountain."
He blinked once. Expressionless. Then casually glanced at the fountain… and back at me.
"...Forgive me, Your Highness," he said calmly, "but I don't think you can."
. . .
. . .
I stared at him.
"…What?"
