Chapter 33. Ryan’s True Identity

Anastasia's POV

During afternoon tea, I see the changing of the guard and try to spot Ryan among the large group of royal guards patrolling the perimeter. Maybe he could help me find Zahir, but I realize Ryan is not in the group that made the new shift change. The courtyard is spacious and surrounded by high walls, with soldiers marching in perfect sync, their armor gleaming in the sunlight.

I decided to ask a guard if he could help me find Ryan. Perhaps he is in another service area; the castle is gigantic, and there are areas I cannot access. Who knows, he might be in those areas?

However, when I describe Ryan to the guard, he does not know anyone by that name or with Ryan's appearance. My heart sinks a bit at this response, and the feeling that something is wrong begins to grow.

At night, after dinner, I decide to talk to Flora about it. She is helping me loosen my corset and prepare for the night, her hands moving with familiarity and efficiency