Chapter 131

ELIZA’S POV I convinced myself that today would be a good day. It had to be. I was so tired of disappointment. I moved towards the palace with Ryan’s small hand tucked tightly into mine. I had convinced myself that today would be good—for both of us. He had been so quiet lately, and I thought a visit to the palace might lift his spirits. At least, that was the excuse I gave myself. Deep down, I think I just needed to see Alexander. I needed to feel something other than this constant ache in my chest. Ryan tugged at my hand. His little feet bounced with energy. He smiled a little as he pointed to a bird flying above the palace gates. I smiled, brushing his hair off his forehead. “Do you like it, sweetie?” He nodded enthusiastically, making a funny little chirping noise that had me laughing along with him. For a moment, the world felt simple again. As we entered the royal courtyard, everything seemed... off. The guards were stiff. They seemed formal in a way they hadn’t been before. The