Elara's smile slowly faded, replaced by a wary expression as she left the prince's lounge, her steps measured and deliberate as she walked through the passageway that separated his quarters from hers.
She bit the inside of her right cheek, her face contorting slightly as if in the midst of holding back pain. Her pace quickened, her fingers clutching her dress tightly against her chest.
"Your Grace, why have you returned so soon?" Lyla, who had been waiting for her in the hall, asked with confusion. She had assumed Elara wouldn't return to her quarters tonight, but clearly, that wasn't the case.
"Lyla, prepare the carriage quietly and send for Lurca." Elara's words were clipped, not missing a beat as she hastened her way back to her chambers.
"Now, Your Grace? But it's past sunset. Where would you go?" Lyla, still following her, came to a sudden halt as Elara stopped abruptly, turning on her heel to face her.
