We didn't leave immediately. The kingdom needed time to adjust. But I had made my choice.
One misty morning, we packed only what we could carry. No guards, no royal carriage, no fanfare. Just two people leaving a life that had cost too much.
Cassian looked at me, his eyes steady. "Are you ready?"
I took his hand. "I've never been more ready for anything."
And together, we stepped into the unknown.