As the morning sun began to warm the stone walls of the castle, Robina and Makael made their way back to their chambers.
Their conversation had brought a sense of unity between them, and they both felt a renewed determination to face whatever lay ahead. They walked in comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
As they turned a corner, they nearly collided with Elsie, who seemed to be waiting for them. She looked nervous, yet determined, and Makael greeted her with a nod.
"Good morning, Elsie," Makael said politely.
Elsie glanced at Robina, who met her gaze with a stony silence. "Good morning, Makael. Robina," she acknowledged, her voice strained.
Robina kept walking, ignoring Elsie entirely, but Makael stopped, prompting Robina to do the same. Elsie took a step closer, wri
