"Here, put this on for now," Sidina said, extending her coat to Maxi.
Accepting it without complaint, Maxi draped the garment over her robe. Even though the corridor was empty, the fact that she was standing in her nightgown still made her feel self-conscious.
She bundled the knee-length coat around herself and began walking down the corridor, lit with the bluish hue of dawn. She could not help but feel puzzled as they descended the stairs without encountering anyone.
"Where are the servants? I think I should ask one of them to explain my absence to Riftan when he wakes… so he won't be alarmed."
"The maidservant who let me sneak in should be waiting for us near the back door. You can ask her to convey your message."
"Y-You had to sneak in?" Maxi asked, looking at Sidina in confusion. "Is this not a place… you can enter freely?"