Chapter 26: The Queen.

After their playful reconciliation, Cyrus led Nila through the mansion's grand corridors, guiding her gently with a hand placed at her back. The rich scents of roasted spices, fresh herbs, and warm bread met them as they entered the dining hall, filling Nila with a comforting sense of warmth. Despite getting used to the marble floors, gold chandeliers, and long rows of candlelit tables Nila couldn't shake the faint sadness that came with sitting alone in such a vast space for most of the time.

They took their seats across from each other, the flickering candlelight casting warm shadows across their faces. Cyrus noticed the subtle shift in her expression. He leaned forward, eyes attentive. "Nila?" he said softly. "What's on your mind?"