~
By the ninth hour of the evening, when the moonlight cast a pale silver glow across the palace roofs, Georgina moved quietly through the corridors, with Sonia following closely behind her.
Wrapped in a black shawl, Georgina concealed her face beneath a thin ivory veil as she headed toward the hidden passage leading outside the palace grounds, each of her steps careful and quiet.
As they neared the exit, Georgina suddenly halted. Her breath caught in her throat.
She quickly flattened herself against the wall, then narrowed her eyes and peered ahead.
Lucas's figure appeared clearly in the dark, with Thomas beside him, and they walked toward the same concealed exit she intended to take.
Her surprise deepened when Emilia appeared moments later, with June following closely behind. Their figures were briefly illuminated by torchlight as Emilia bowed quietly to Lucas.
He leaned closer and whispered something to her before pushing aside the concealed barrier blocking the passage.
