rolling plains and, eventually, to towering mountains. The castle came into view just as the sun began to set, its silhouette dark and imposing against the fiery sky. It was larger

was meant to marry. The man who, by all accounts, wanted nothing to do with me. I slid onto the edge of the bed, my fingers curling into the fabric of my cloak. No matter what happened tomorrow, I couldn't let myself hope for too much. Hope had a way of destroying me. The morning came with a heavy knock at the door. "Lady Brielle, it is time." In a flash, I sat up, sleep clinging to the corners of my mind. My hands trembled slightly as I smoothed down the simple dress Edna had left for me the night before. It was plain, gray, and unremarkable-fitting for someone like me. When I opened the door, a young servant was waiting for me. She looked at me briefly, her expression unreadable, then gestured for me to follow her. The hallways twisted and turned, the grandeur of the castle pressing down on me with every step. I tried to keep my breathing steady, but it was no use. My heart pounded against my ribs as we approached a pair of heavy doors, carved with intricate patterns that shimmered faintly in the light. The servant stopped and bowed. "The prince is waiting inside." I nodded, though my stomach churned with unease. "Thank you," I murmured, stepping forward. The doors clicked as I pushed them open, revealing a grand chamber bathed in sunlight. At the far end, standing with his back to me, was Liam. The first thing I noticed was how still he was, like a statue carved from marble. His broad shoulders were rigid, his posture a perfect display of control and strength. He didn't turn as I entered, and the silence stretched between us like a taut rope. "Your Highness," I said softly, my voice barely carrying across the room. He turned then, and my breath caught in my throat. Liam was nothing like I'd imagined. His face was sh