The Mederian Prince did not acknowledge the king, nor the countless eyes that lay upon him. Without a word, he strode towards the gangplank, his cloak sweeping behind him like a severed shadow.
But as he passed Armel, his steps faltered.
Something unseen struck him, sharp and sudden. He halted and then turned his head just enough.
"Armel," he said quietly. "Follow me."
The teenager stiffened at once.
"Yes, Your Highness!" he replied.
Without question, Armel followed as the Mederian Prince veered away from the crowd, the two retreating into the margins of the dock where no one could hear their exchange.
Their conversations were carried away like the wind, but when the teenager came back moments later, tears ran down his face, and his fists were clenched tightly, trying to hold his shattered spirit together.
By then, Elis had already retreated into the carriage. The door shut, sealing her from sight and from her husband.
