The carriage rolled smoothly over the cobblestone streets, the rhythmic sway almost soothing. Sunlight filtered in through the small windows, catching briefly on the emerald at my throat before disappearing again as we passed beneath an archway.
For a moment, we sat in silence. Not awkward. Just… quiet.
Elias leaned back slightly, one arm resting easily along the seat, posture relaxed in a way I rarely saw within the palace walls.
War preparations was a tiring duty. And a duty he cannot discard.
I cleared my throat. "How are the war preparations going?"
He turned his head toward me, then smiled.
Not the polite smile. Not the strategic one.
Amused.
"I will not answer that question."
I blinked. "What."
He chuckled. "Today is our outing. I refuse to spoil it by talking about politics, troop movements, or battle formations."
I stared at him.
"Why?" I asked before I could stop myself.
