The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden light over the palace gardens as Lia and I strolled along the cobblestone paths. She had insisted on some fresh air after another grueling morning of lessons, and I couldn't deny her. The quiet moments we shared here were a reprieve from the weight of politics and expectations that pressed down on both of us.

I was so lost in thought-my mind replaying fragments of my mission and my growing doubts-that I almost didn't notice Nathaniel approaching from the opposite direction. His steps were hesitant, his hands clasped behind his back, and his expression was uncharacteristically uncertain.

"Princess Ophelia," he began formally, his gaze flickering to me before settling back on Lia. "Lady Calliope."

Lia tilted her head curiously. "Nathaniel? What's wrong?"

He hesitated for a moment, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his tunic. Then, with a deep breath, he turned to me directly. "Calliope... I owe you an apology."

My eyebrows lifted in surprise. Nathaniel Alden-the ever-composed prince-was apologizing? Lia looked equally startled, glancing between us with wide eyes.

"For what?" I asked cautiously, keeping my tone neutral.

Nathaniel shifted awkwardly, clearly uncomfortable but determined to continue. "For how I spoke to you in the gardens that night," he admitted. "I... I was out of line. I made assumptions about you without understanding who you are or what you've been through."

I blinked, caught off guard by his sincerity. He wasn't just apologizing; he was taking responsibility for his actions-a rare trait in someone so young and so steeped in royal pride.

"I realize now that it was wrong," he continued earnestly. "You've done nothing but support Lia, and I shouldn't have doubted your intentions. I'm sorry."

For a moment, I didn't know what to say. Apologies weren't something I encountered often-not genuine ones, at least-and certainly not from someone like Nathaniel.

Before I could respond, Lia broke the silence with a puzzled frown. "Wait... what exactly are you apologizing for?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Nathaniel glanced at her briefly before returning his gaze to me. "I questioned Calliope's loyalty," he admitted quietly. "I thought she might have her own agenda-something that could harm you."

Lia's eyes widened in shock as she turned to me. "Calliope would never do that!" she exclaimed vehemently. "She's my best friend!"

Her words hit me like a blow to the chest, the weight of her trust settling heavily on my shoulders once again. Forcing myself to remain composed, I met Nathaniel's gaze steadily.

"Thank you for your apology," I said finally, my voice calm but firm. "And for recognizing your mistake."

He nodded solemnly before stepping back slightly, giving us space once more.

"Ophelia," he said softly, addressing her directly now, "I only want what's best for you-and for our kingdoms. I know that this arrangement was sudden and out of our control but I hope that good will come of it and love can blossom from that good."

Lia hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly. "As do I," she said quietly with a curt nod.

With that, Nathaniel inclined his head respectfully and walked away, leaving us alone once more.

As we continued our walk through the gardens, Lia remained uncharacteristically quiet, her brow furrowed in thought.

"Calliope," she said suddenly, breaking the silence, "why do you think Nate doubted you?"

The question caught me off guard-not because it was unexpected but because it struck too close to the truth.

"I suppose it's natural for him to be cautious," I replied carefully. "He's been raised to protect his kingdom-and now yours as well."

Lia frowned slightly but didn't press further. Instead, she reached out and took my hand in hers-a small gesture that felt far heavier than it should have.

"You'll always be here for me... right?" she asked softly.

The words lodged in my throat like a stone. How could I promise something so fragile when my mission demanded otherwise?

"Always," I said finally, forcing myself to meet her gaze with a steady smile.