Amara had never seen so many cameras in her life.
Even from inside her apartment window, she could see reporters crowding the street below. Microphones, cameras, flashing lights—it felt like the entire world had suddenly discovered where she lived.
Her heart pounded.
"How did this happen overnight…?" she whispered.
Her phone was still pressed against her ear.
Adrian's voice remained calm on the other end.
"My driver will arrive in ten minutes."
Amara glanced nervously toward the door.
"Adrian… there are reporters outside."
"I know."
"You know?"
"Yes. That's why you're coming here."
Amara swallowed.
"The palace?"
"Yes."
She hesitated.
"Is that… allowed?"
Adrian's voice softened slightly.
"It is when the Crown Prince invites you."
Before Amara could respond, she heard car engines outside.
A few seconds later—
Reporters began shouting.
"Look! A royal car!"
"Move back!"
"Is that the palace security?"
Amara peeked through the window.
A long black car with the royal crest had pulled up in front of her building. Two palace security officers stepped out immediately, creating space between the reporters and the entrance.
Her heart started racing again.
"They're here," she whispered.
"Good," Adrian said. "Go now. They'll escort you."
Amara took a deep breath.
"Okay."
She grabbed her bag, straightened her jacket, and walked toward the door.
The moment she stepped into the hallway, she could already hear the reporters shouting downstairs.
Cameras clicked rapidly as the building door opened.
"Miss Amara! Over here!"
"Are you dating the Crown Prince?"
"Did the palace invite you?"
"Are you his girlfriend?"
The questions came like a storm.
Amara's face turned red instantly.
The security officers quickly stepped forward.
"Please step back," one of them ordered firmly.
They guided Amara into the car as flashes of light exploded around them.
The door closed.
And suddenly…
Everything became quiet.
Amara leaned back against the seat, breathing heavily.
"That was terrifying."
The driver spoke politely from the front.
"We will arrive at the palace shortly, Miss Vale."
Amara looked out the window as the car pulled away from the chaos.
She had seen the royal palace before on television.
But seeing it in person was different.
The massive gates opened slowly as the car approached.
Tall guards stood at attention.
The palace itself looked enormous.
Elegant.
Powerful.
Almost unreal.
Amara's mouth fell slightly open.
"This place is huge…"
The car stopped in front of the main entrance.
Before Amara could even open the door—
It was opened for her.
And standing there…
Was Adrian.
He looked calm as always.
But when his eyes met hers, there was something softer there.
"You made it," he said.
Amara stepped out of the car nervously.
"Your palace is… intimidating."
Adrian gave a faint smile.
"You'll get used to it."
"I doubt that."
They began walking toward the entrance together.
Inside, palace staff moved quietly through the halls.
But Amara noticed something immediately.
Everyone was staring.
Whispering.
"The scholarship girl…"
"She's the one from the news…"
Amara pretended not to hear them.
But Adrian definitely did.
His expression darkened slightly.
Then suddenly—
A deep voice echoed from the grand staircase.
"So."
Both of them looked up.
A tall man stood there, dressed in a formal suit.
His presence alone commanded attention.
Amara immediately knew who he was.
The King.
Adrian's father.
The King slowly walked down the stairs.
His sharp eyes moved from Adrian…
To Amara.
And then he spoke.
"So this is the girl causing chaos across the entire country."