The former flames talked at the side, in a large hallway near the palace.
The palace halls were wide, fortunately, and there were a few alcoves where they could talk without attracting the attention of everyone who passed by.
"It's really you…" she mumbled, eyes glazed in tears.
He nodded, but he was careful to keep a safe distance. After all, it had been so long, and he did not know if she was already married.
While the thought made him heavy, being seen too close together would be much worse for her than for him.
However, Esstia saw his keeping distance as a sign of his dislike or maybe… disgust. Although due to her appearance, she was still 'clean' even after all these years, most men would assume otherwise.
It hurt, but she couldn't blame him.
"I… I didn't want to leave," she said without him asking. She just blurted it out and felt embarrassed as soon as she said it.
She shook and lifted her head, but instead of disgust, he was just staring deeply at her.
