Annie was taken aback by the softness Ryanna showed toward Katelyn. Though surprised, Annie chose to remain silent, not daring to comment further.

Feeling she had seen most of the jewelry, Katelyn replied, “Yes, let’s do that.” Being at the palace, she thought it best to experience all it had to offer.

Ryanna led Katelyn towards the back garden. Though Annie was not fond of Katelyn, she followed reluctantly. Annie was uncertain of Katelyn’s intentions. Concerned that Katelyn might have plans that would work against her, Annie felt wary, especially given Ryanna’s currently unpredictable demeanor.

Katelyn walked alongside Ryanna through the back garden.

But as they neared a secluded grove of trees, an unexpected shout shattered the silence.

Katelyn came to an abrupt stop, her gaze instinctively drawn to the dense cluster of trees ahead. A faint frown creased her brow as she turned to Ryanna. “Do you hear that? What’s that sound?”

Ryanna followed her gaze and sighed softly. “It’s a long story. A rather tragic one.”

The distant shout continued, sending a chill through Katelyn. A strange unease settled in her chest—an unfamiliar, unsettling sensation.

Annie, standing beside them, pouted in irritation. Her eyes flashed with disdain as she explained dismissively, “Just some madwoman. Not worth your concern.” It was clear she had encountered the person before.

But to Katelyn, the pained cries were deeply unsettling—raw, heartbreaking, and impossible to ignore.

Annie, hesitant to speak further in Ryanna’s presence, fell silent.

Ryanna, however, offered a quiet explanation. “I heard she’s been locked up since the reign of the former king. No one knows why or who she really is.”

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Katelyn frowned, curiosity tugging at her. She wanted to ask more, but Ryanna had already shared all she knew. Pressing further felt unnecessary.

Still, her eyes drifted back toward the woods. A dark, heavy presence lingered there, oppressive and foreboding. The sensation gnawed at her, but she forced it down.

Ryanna gently nudged her. “Let’s go.”

Katelyn gave a small nod and followed her toward the palace garden.

Though autumn was settling in and the air had turned crisp, the garden remained vibrant, bursting with colorful blossoms. The sweet fragrance of flowers mingled with the occasional chirp of birds, creating a picturesque scene.

Katelyn settled into the gazebo, but the beauty around her did little to distract her thoughts. The haunting cries from the woods still echoed in her mind.

Ryanna, noticing her distraction, smiled. “Katelyn, look at these flowers. They’re all imported from Granville.”

Katelyn glanced at her and teased, “Princess Ryanna, you seem to have a particular fondness for things from Granville.”

Ever since Katelyn had arrived at the palace, Ryanna had frequently mentioned Granville’s imports. The flattery was obvious.

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