The courtyard was quiet that morning.
Warm sunlight filtered through the trees, their leaves now full and green with the coming of summer. The stone path radiated gentle heat, and a soft breeze carried the scent of herbs from the garden beds. Birds chirped lazily from the rooftop.
Charlotte sat alone on a bench beneath the archway, dressed in a simple cream blouse and a light skirt that moved slightly with the wind. Her Sancta Veil was gone. Pink hair framed her face freely, and her amber eyes followed a pair of pigeons wandering near the fountain.
Noel approached from the side path, sleeves rolled up, hands in his pockets.
"You're not wearing the veil," he said.
"I don't need it here," Charlotte replied, not looking at him.
He stopped beside the bench, then sat down beside her.
"…Why didn't you tell me you were coming to the academy?"
Charlotte's tone stayed casual. "I didn't think you needed to know."
