Chapter 4

That evening, I sat alone on a stone bench in the imperial garden, desperately plotting how to escape with my mother.

Suddenly, the familiar rose fragrance drifted by. And before I even realized it, Adrian was sitting right next to me.

"Dr. Shaw, you don't look well. Is the Queen's condition getting worse?" Adrian asked.

I gave a bitter smile and shook my head. "The boy-turning ritual failed... Our lives are at risk, both mine and my mother's."

Suddenly, his warm hand gently lifted my chin, making me meet his gaze. "Don't worry, Dr. Shaw. With me here, nothing will…