Alannah gestured toward a side door. "Would you... would you walk with me? Just for a moment?"

Adrian followed Alannah through the side door of the throne room, leaving the heavy atmosphere behind as they stepped into the palace garden. The transition from the somber halls to the moonlit tranquility of the outdoors was almost jarring.

The air here was cool and fragrant, carrying the subtle scent of blooming night jasmine. Soft pools of light spilled over cobblestone paths from glowing lanterns hung on iron posts.

A fountain stood at the center of the garden, its gentle trickling the only sound breaking the silence.

"It's beautiful," Adrian remarked, his voice low as his gaze traveled over the scene.

"It was one of his favorite places," Alannah replied, her hands clasped in front of her as she walked slowly toward the fountain. Her black gown shimmered faintly under the moonlight, lending her an almost ethereal appearance. "Varos would spend hours here when the weight of the crown became too much."

Adrian followed her, his boots crunching softly on the cobblestones. "I didn't know him well, but… well, you know… I've only seen him once or twice since I've been here. He seemed... steady."

Alannah let out a small, humorless laugh as she reached the fountain and rested her hands on its edge. The water rippled gently under the moon's glow.

"Steady is one word for it," she said, her tone tinged with bitterness. "He was steady because he let me handle the storms. He relied on me for everything—diplomacy, strategy, governance. Sometimes I wonder if he wore the crown, or if it wore him."

Adrian stopped beside her, studying her profile. Her expression was calm, but there was a deep sadness in her eyes. "You kept Zarpha standing," he said softly. "Even if the burden was yours alone, you shouldered it with strength."

Alannah smiled faintly, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I suppose that's what makes it harder. Losing him... even if I did the work, his presence held the kingdom together. Without him, Zarpha feels... fragile."

Adrian frowned, his hand curling instinctively around the hilt of his sword. "The Shadow Court knows this. They'll see an opportunity. That's why we need to fortify Zarpha as soon as possible."

Alannah nodded, her gaze fixed on the rippling water. "The council refuses to see the urgency. They bicker about succession and politics while the enemy gathers strength. It's maddening." She turned to him, her voice breaking slightly. "And now, with Varos gone, they look to me as if I have all the answers."

Adrian reached out, resting a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You're stronger than you think, Alannah. You've been leading this kingdom for years—this is no different."

Her shoulders sagged slightly under his touch, her composure cracking just enough to reveal the weight she carried. "It is different," she whispered. "Varos wasn't just my husband—he was my brother's brother. I've lost two kings, Adrian. And now..." Her voice faltered, and she closed her eyes, willing herself not to cry.

Adrian stepped closer, his hand sliding down to gently clasp hers. "You haven't lost everything," he said firmly. "I'm here. And so are others who believe in you."

Alannah looked up at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You don't know how much that means to me," she said softly. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Thank you, Adrian. Truly."

They stood in silence for a moment, the soft trickle of the fountain filling the space between them.

Alannah's fingers lingered on his, her touch sending a jolt through Adrian that he hadn't expected. Her gaze dropped briefly to their joined hands, and when she looked up again, her eyes held an emotion he couldn't quite place.

"Adrian..." she began, her voice barely above a whisper. She hesitated, then leaned forward, her lips brushing softly against his.

The kiss was brief—tentative, almost as if she feared his reaction.

When she pulled back, her cheeks were flushed, and her expression was a mixture of regret and longing. "I'm sorry," she said quickly, taking a step back. "That was... inappropriate. I shouldn't have done that."

Adrian's heart pounded in his chest, the ghost of her kiss still lingering on his lips.

Before she could retreat further, he reached out and gently caught her hand. "Don't apologize," he said, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions within him.

She turned back to him, her eyes searching his face. Whatever she saw there seemed to embolden her, because she didn't resist when he pulled her closer.

This time, it was Adrian who leaned in, capturing her lips in a deeper, more deliberate kiss. Her hands came up to rest lightly on his chest, and for a moment it felt as if the world had narrowed to the space between them. Their lips parted and moved together with a newfound urgency, a heat building between them that threatened to consume them both.

When they finally parted, their foreheads remained touching, each savoring the closeness.

Adrian let out a soft sigh, his heart still racing.

He pulled back, just enough to meet her gaze.

Alannah broke the silence first, her voice low and unsteady.

"I shouldn't have done that," she said, her cheeks flushed with a mixture of desire and shame. "But I couldn't resist..."

"It's alright," Adrian murmured, his pulse still racing.

He wasn't sure what to make of the situation. The last thing he needed was to be entangled with the queen. But despite the complications, he couldn't deny the pull he felt toward her.

She offered a small, nervous smile.

"So what are your plans now?" he asked in a low voice.

"Well, there's still a lot of planning to be done. But at least I have my advisor here... I have you here."

Adrian nodded, "We'll get through this," he said firmly, his hands still resting on her waist. "I promise."

She nodded, a small smile breaking through the sadness that had clouded her features. "Thank you," she said again, her voice barely audible.

Adrian released her reluctantly, stepping back to give her space. "We should return," he said, though he couldn't help but linger for a moment longer. "The others will be wondering where I am."

Alannah straightened, smoothing her gown and regaining her composure. "You're right," she said, though there was a softness in her eyes that hadn't been there before. "But... thank you. For everything."

Adrian nodded, offering her a faint smile. "Always."

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