"Please reconsider staying a few days more," Duke Max pleaded.
Alexei sat on his horse talking with the Duke, Duchess and Kyle. Alexei felt guilty for the rift he'd caused between Lily and His Highness. It was clear as day to him that Lily had feelings for the future emperor.
"I must leave," said Alexei. "Everyone now knows I'm hiding here and I can't afford to get you all in more trouble. Prince James might have turned a blind eye once but something tells me he won't be so kind next time. And he could appeal to the King of Leal to punish you. I know this is a serious breach of the alliance between Leal and Fortius."
"But your leg isn't fully healed!" Duke Max exclaimed, worried more for his friend than for himself.
"It's fine and I'll get a doctor in Pacem to look at it," he said.
