The hustle and bustle of Oakvale faded behind them.

Dustin didn't leave immediately. On a night when the moon hung clear and bright, he appeared without warning in the courtyard of Grace's private residence outside the palace. A few dishes sat on the stone table beside a bottle of wine.

Dressing in a simple, elegant casual dress, she sat alone and drank under the moonlight. When she saw him, she didn't seem surprised. Instead, she smiled and gestured to the stone bench across from her, as if s