28
~Lisa's POV
I wiped my palms on my skirt as I stepped out into the hallway, still trying to calm my heartbeat. The palace walls felt colder now, like they were leaning in, watching me. Every step I took echoed louder than I wanted it to. I just wanted to pass through unnoticed.
But there she was.
Belinda stood near the main staircase, her hand wrapped tightly around Rowan's arm like she was afraid he'd vanish. Her fingers curled possessively against his bicep, her head tilted sweetly toward him, but her eyes, when they met mine, were anything but sweet.
Rowan didn't look at me. His face was blank, but his jaw was tight.
"Oh, good," Belinda said, her voice loud and sugary as syrup. "There you are, Lisa."
I walked closer, careful not to meet Rowan's eyes. "Yes?"