Kinza and Zaid thanked the Elder and said their goodbyes before heading back out into the hallway. They could see the sun coming up over the horizon now, and the light was spilling into the Hall, outlining a figure walking toward them. Zaid audibly exhaled.
“Mikah,” Kinza said, hoping she sounded more pleasant than awkward. “You’re here early.”
He sketched a bow and smiled at her. “Good morning, Your Excellency,” he said, completely ignoring Zaid. “I have much work to do today, and I did say I would see you before you left. Are you leaving now then?”
“We are, yes. Hey, I wanted to talk to you about something—”
Zaid left, walking toward the plaza.
“—But I don’t have time before I leave. Let’s catch up when I get back, okay?”
“Yes, of course,” he replied. “We’ll be plenty busy as well
