Chapter 143

ELIZA’S POV The next morning, Alexander and I strolled side by side through the garden. For once, the palace felt quiet. Peaceful. Alexander bumped my shoulder gently with his. “You’re walking too fast again.” I smirked. “And you’re too slow. I’m convinced your royal blood makes you allergic to actual effort.” He let out a soft laugh. “Effort is for people who have something to prove. I, Eliza, have already proven I can survive your endless critiques.” I turned toward him with mock offense, raising my brow. “Endless? I’ve barely begun.” “Oh gods,” he groaned, hand over his heart. “Save me from her tongue.” “That’s the same tongue that saved your life twice on the battlefield, Your Highness,” I shot back, grinning. “Fair point,” he said, tilting his head toward me. “Then I suppose I owe you another debt. Add it to the list.” He offered me his arm in that old-fashioned, courtly way he knew made me roll my eyes. Still, I took it and leaned into him. The world blurred slightly in that mome