I couldn't help but let out a relieved sigh as the guards shut the door firmly behind the last Elder to leave. My shoulders finally slumped and I became aware of how tired I was. I started making my way back to my room.
I would have expected the castle to be deadly silent by now, but there was still a handful of servant who were rushing around as they cleaned up the remnants of the dinner. I was walking down the long corridor that would inevitably lead me to my chambers when the door to my fathers study opened and I let out a slightly startled shriek.
"Calm down, Anoa. It's just me. I would have thought your time with the Humans would have made you braver."
I felt my heart sink at my fathers words and I forced myself to give him a polite smile before I continued walking. I could f
