Chapter 24: Tensions Rise

Avoiding Ryre was something Gisella found extremely difficult. She had thought it would be an easy thing to do to avoid the gardens at night, but it seemed as though his presence was felt more and more throughout the castle.

She would pass by him on her way to the kitchens where previously she would never have seen him, talking to a group of men from the Farradorian court. Or she would catch his eye when the King sometimes held their evening’s meals outside in the courtyard.

Roseia had noticed the tension between them on the first day and inquired about it. Gisella only shook her head at her friend and brushed her off in favour of changing the topic. But when Otho picked up on their stolen glances and longing stares, Gisella was forced to pay it recognition.

“It’s nothing.” Gisella tried to laugh it off. “We are both from vastly different stations. It was fun while it lasted.”