By the time Arlan finished his work, his knights along with the servants from his own entourage were done with their preparations, merely waiting for his signal to leave. Arlan had a rather leisurely midday meal with Count Ahren, Rafal's father, and then afterwards, he came back to his chamber in the second guest mansion.
Oriana was awaiting his return to help him change his clothes, a set of luxurious attire already chosen by his other servants beforehand. As she was buttoning his jacket, Arlan stared at her solemn face.
'Have to bear a couple nights without her by my side,' he could not help but sigh. Due to his father's urgent summons, he had to return to the palace within the day. As for Oriana and the other servants borrowed from Ahren, they could only enter the palace after two days.
However, a ghost of a smile lingered on his face.