Amelia PoV
Vadim and I walked out of the tent, only to be met with Chief Alexos.
"You look well rested, Your Highness, Vadim," he said, his arms crossed over his chest. There was a slight smile on his face.
"Do we?" I asked, swinging my arms back. "Didn't think I got much sleep."
He snickered. "Don't play coy, Amelia. While it's nice to see you two spending time together, remember your priorities."
Vadim sighed, his shoulders slumping. He took his duties as knight and general incredibly seriously, sometimes too seriously for his own good. I knew Alexos's words, lighthearted as they might seem, would hit him harder than they were intended. He always carried the weight of the kingdom, of our children, and of my safety, on his broad shoulders. I often worried he'd crush himself under it.
I squeezed his hand, trying to convey reassurance, a silent reminder that he wasn't alone in bearing that burden. His fingers tightened around mine, a comforting pressure.
