CHAPTER 40

(SHEILA'S POV)

I sprinted after Orion and his entourage, my heart pounding in my chest. I looked around and realized the familiar scenery around me. How did I end up here again? The farm where I sought refuge loomed ahead.

"Orion, please, just a moment!" I called out, desperation lacing my voice. I needed to talk to him, to try and make sense of the sudden and drastic shift in his behavior—or perhaps even to understand why he seemed so distant.

As Orion's men spurred their horses forward, one of them, the one in the deep blue tunic, halted at my plea. His horse snorted softly as he turned to face me, his expression unreadable.

"Alright, stay vigilant, make sure His Royal Highness stays safe," he directed the guards, his tone firm but composed. Then, he guided his horse towards me, stopping at a distance that felt safe.

I couldn't help but feel a pang of gratitude towards this man, for pausing to acknowledge my presence. Gathering my courage, I stepped closer, meeting his gaze with a m