The two men, Kyren and Adam, sat comfortably in the parlour. It had been a few days since their last encounter, and this was their first meeting after the departure of Sarah and her companions, the former ladies-in-waiting, who had left for their new 'home,' with the Cilleon entourage.
"Thank you for sparing the time to meet me, Your Highness," said the admiral gratefully.
"It's always my pleasure," Kyren replied with a gentle smile. "I'm sorry Anna couldn't join us today. Our child is growing, and the pregnancy has begun to take its toll. She's been rather lethargic lately and often ends up napping longer during the day."
"No worries, Your Highness. I completely understand," Adam said with a nod.
Silence lingered for a moment before the grand duke spoke again in a solemn tone.
"You probably came about what happened, I presume," he said quietly. "And I wouldn't blame you if you felt disheartened by the outcome."
