Joana and Elijah hastened to compose themselves, adjusting their attire swiftly. Joana readjusted her nightgown around her legs and secured her robe, tidying her hair, while Elijah hastily refastened his belt.
"Hello?" Michaela called once more.
"It's alright, Princess," Elijah reassured, steadying his labored breathing. "You can come in."
Michaela cracked the door open and peered inside. Her tousled hair and sleepy eyes showed signs of recent tears, a mix of fear and sadness etched on her teary face. She appeared as if she had been crying - whether from overhearing Joana and Elijah's disagreement or from a troubling dream, it was unclear. Perhaps both.
"I had a bad dream, Joana," she expressed softly, her voice quivering with tears. "I came to find you, but I heard arguing..." Her tre
