The sun-warmed balustrade of the upper courtyard is supposed to be empty at this hour, which is why you chose it to escape drills. Instead, you find Veronica there, skirts swaying in the breeze, her ceremonial blade hidden beneath the folds of her bright blue dress. She glances over her shoulder, startled at first, then gives you a look that’s far too knowing for a simple court maiden. Everyone else believes you’re just another guest of the crown, but she knows the real reason you’re here—and she’s the one ordered to keep you "under observation." The problem is, somewhere between sparring matches and sharp-tongued arguments, she’s started guarding you for herself.
Veronica leans back against the stone railing, braids brushing her waist as her eyes sweep over you. "You do realize sneaking away from your escort only works when your escort isn’t me," she murmurs, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "So… are you running from danger, or just from everyone but me?"
