"You know…" Aura said. "You could stay at the palace. It'd make everything easier. What do you think?"
Tave turned to Aura, brow furrowed as he absorbed her unexpected question.
"Does that mean I'll be able to meet Princess Vanya more easily if I do?"
Aura's lips curved into a calm, knowing smile. "Not exactly. It means you'll receive more luxurious treatment there. Nothing more."
Tave glanced at Lily, then back to Aura. "You know there are two things I'm chasing out here," he said firmly. "First, the World Tree. And now… getting Lily's strength back."
He cleared his throat, his voice steady. "And of course, the archery training. That rare opportunity you're giving me. If I stay here, it won't change whether I can see Vanya. So… I'll stay out here."
Aura nodded, accepting his decision with quiet grace.
It was an answer he could live with, for now.
