章 91: Lady Elara has her ways

"Perhaps." 

That single word had echoed in my mind for days, the ghost of its uncertainty lingering longer than I cared to admit.

Elara hadn't returned to the garden after that moment, and despite my initial patience, I began to feel like an intruder overstaying their welcome. When she finally didn't appear for an entire afternoon, I took the hint and made my departure. 

But as I left her estate, something gave me pause. Just beyond the marble steps leading to the main gates, I caught sight of her.

Lady Elara was deep in conversation with a soldier, his stance formal but not entirely relaxed. What drew my attention most was the insignia on his armour—the unmistakable symbol of Larcin. 

The kingdom I had been exiled from. The kingdom I had once called home.