Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 56

**Where Sleeping Rivers Dream We Follow Trails Toward Tomorrow by Evan Milesa Cade**
**Chapter 56**

The Monday morning chatter was relentless, the topic of discussion swirling around like leaves caught in a brisk wind. Yet again, the subject was the same—Thorne and his peculiar behavior. I could feel the weight of the collective gaze upon us, especially when my own heart raced with the memories of the previous night.

I had braced myself for Thorne’s usual glare, anticipating the storm brewing behind his dark gold eyes, but instead, he seemed lost in thought, his head bowed. It was as if he was trying to shield himself from the world—a sulking shadow in the midst of our chaotic breakfast table.

The atmosphere was thick with tension as we shuffled towards our classes, the morning sun casting long shadows on the ground. Thorne, usually so vibrant, was now a mere echo of himself, his silence speaking volumes. I could sense that something profound had shifted between us, and the unspoken words hung heavy in the air.

As we settled down for breakfast, Thorne took his seat without uttering a single word. The clinking of utensils and the soft murmurs of conversation surrounded us, but he remained an island of solitude. I tried to catch his eye, to bridge the silence with a smile, but he seemed oblivious to my attempts, his focus elsewhere.

“Good morning,” I ventured, my voice barely above a whisper, hoping to stir him from his reverie.

He didn’t respond, his gaze fixed on the table as if it held the answers to questions neither of us dared to ask. I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat growing larger as I watched him.

“Thorne,” I finally said, trying to break through the fog of his silence. “Are you okay?”

He looked at me then, a flicker of something—was it concern?—crossing his features. “I’m just… tired,” he replied, his voice low and rough, like gravel underfoot.

I frowned, feeling a pang of worry for him. “You were at the party. I thought—”

“It’s my job to protect you,” he interrupted, his tone sharper than intended. “I was there for you. I should have done more.” The weight of his words hung between us, a reminder of the unspoken bond we shared.

He reached out, his fingers brushing against the back of my hand, a gesture both tender and hesitant. I recoiled slightly, not wanting to burden him with my own turmoil.

“Sorry,” he mumbled, pulling back as if my reaction had stung him. “You probably don’t want to be touched right now.”

I nodded, my heart aching for the distance that had crept in between us. I turned my attention back to my plate, trying to drown out the noise of my thoughts. But the silence was soon interrupted by a familiar voice.

“Can I help you?” Maximus’s tone was casual, but the raised eyebrow he directed at Thorne spoke volumes.

Thorne’s jaw clenched, and I could see the tension radiating from him. “I was just… talking to Zora,” he replied, his voice strained.

Loren, ever the peacemaker, chimed in, “Look at this! More than two people at our table. It’s practically a party!” Her attempt at humor fell flat, and the air thickened with unspoken words.

Maximus settled into a chair across from us, his presence commanding yet relaxed. I could feel the weight of his gaze, assessing, calculating. It was strange to have him here, yet oddly comforting.

As breakfast continued, I felt Thorne’s frustration bubble beneath the surface. Finally, he stood up, casting me one last pained glance. “I’ll be around if you need me,” he said, his voice a mixture of hope and despair.

Before I could respond, Maximus interjected, “She won’t. Thanks, though.”

Thorne shot him a glare, and I could sense the tension crackling between them. He walked away, his shoulders tense, retreating to where Kairos sat, who seemed oblivious to the storm brewing.

I turned to Maximus, irritation bubbling within me. “I don’t need you to speak for me,” I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended.

He shrugged, unfazed, and returned to his meal, leaving me to stew in my own frustration. Loren raised an eyebrow at me, a smirk playing on her lips.

“What’s going on in that head of yours?” she asked, her curiosity evident.

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