That evening, Eliora returned to the garden.
She had changed into something lighter, a soft pink dress.
The courtyard was calm, touched only by the sound of water spilling gently from the fountain.
She slipped off her shoes and sat at the edge with her bare feet touching the cool water.
Her hair, loose, long, and curly, trailed behind her like silk. She set her veil beside her and rested her chin on her knees.
Her thoughts swirled.
Everything had changed so fast. Her life, and her future.
Her fate was now tied to the feared Beast King. If anyone had told her this would happen, she would have called them a liar.
Then she thought about her parents. Her heart clenched in pain.
Was Zarek already searching for them as he had said? Were they safe?
She sighed, letting her fingers trace the water's surface.
Then a deep voice broke the silence.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
Eliora jerked upright, startled. She turned immediately.
