They reached Milan's villa as the sun touched the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. The guards at the gate opened immediately, their eyes wide at seeing Prince Andrion accompanying the group but smart enough not to comment.
Inside, Milan's servants moved efficiently to prepare rooms and food.
The villa, which had seemed quiet and orderly that morning, now buzzed with unusual energy.
As the others dispersed to their various tasks, Cleora pulled Jolthar aside into a private sitting room. The moment the door closed, her composed facade cracked slightly.
"You could have died," she said quietly, her voice shaking just a little.
"That princess, she was one of the strongest people in the empire, and you fought her to a standstill. But if that fight had gone differently..."
Jolthar pulled her into an embrace.
"But it didn't. I'm here. I'm fine."
"This time," Cleora insisted, pulling back to look at him.
