The carriage wheels clattered softly against the paved stone road, their steady rhythm filling the quiet air as two guards flanked them on horseback.
One was the fat knight who had nearly fallen over himself at the sight of Azel, and the other was his sharp-eyed, wiry companion.
Both rode with a sense of formality now, their posture rigid, every glance toward Azel carrying a faint reverence.
Lorraine, however, could hardly sit still.
Her brow furrowed, her fingers tapping lightly against her thigh.
Finally, she leaned forward, her gaze fixed on Azel.
"Why is it such a big deal that you came back to the capital?" she asked, her tone sharper than she intended.
Her cheeks puffed slightly, an unconscious habit she had whenever she felt frustrated or curious.
And if Azel had to admit, it looked cute on her.
Azel glanced at her calmly, his expression unreadable.
