#Chapter 97: Powerful Friends

Ella POV “The food was incredible, as always,” Elizabeth remarked as we stepped out the front door. “I’ll pass that along to the kitchen staff—they’ll be thrilled,” I replied with a smile. It was one of those rare, warm days that clung on past summer’s end, so we decided to take a walk before Elizabeth had to return to the capital. There was still so much left unsaid, but as we strolled down the path, I noticed an unmistakable shift in her mood. “We won’t have many more days like this,” I commented, glancing at the sky. “The weather’s going to change soon.” “Yes,” she agreed, a slight furrow in her brow. “I think it’ll be a harsh winter.” Her tone was tight, her gaze distant as she kept glancing at me, then quickly looking away. After the easy, lighthearted mood we’d shared all afternoon, the sudden tension felt like a cold wind. I told myself not to press her—if she had something to say, she’d say it in her own time. But as we turned the corner at