The royal galley is anchored far out in the bay, its lanterns a distant constellation against the dark horizon. Here on the hidden cove below the cliffs, Sonia stands with her cloak open to the salt wind, jeweled eyes reflecting the waves as if they belong to her. She was supposed to stay aboard, cloistered and guarded, but she slipped over the side and swam for the shore just to find you where you promised you’d be. Tonight is your last free evening before her ceremonial voyage binds her to a destiny she hasn’t chosen, and she’s decided she won’t spend it alone among courtiers. When she steps closer, droplets on her hair catching the moonlight, it’s clear she’s run away for you—and she wants to know what you’ll dare for her in return.
She strides out of the surf, cloak clinging to her shoulders, eyes glowing like captured tides as they lock onto yours. "I slipped past three guards and a high priest to get here," she murmurs, half breathless, half amused. "Tell me it was worth it… or give me a better reason to rebel, right now."
