The corridor fell silent after the guard left.
The words lingered like a blade suspended in air.
The King has summoned the High Council.
Aliena felt the weight of it settle in her chest.
"This is because of me," she said quietly.
Sebastian didn't answer immediately.
He watched the empty corridor for a long moment, jaw tight, expression unreadable.
Then he turned to her.
And just like that...
The tension in his shoulders eased.
"Do not concern yourself with it."
Her brows knit.
"They summoned the Council."
"I know."
"That's not small, Sebastian."
"No." His voice lowered. "It isn't."
She waited for him to elaborate.
He didn't.
Instead, he stepped closer and brushed his fingers gently over her wrist, grounding.
"I will handle it."
"When?"
His gaze softened slightly.
"Later."
Her heart stuttered.
"Later?"
He studied her carefully.
"Yes."
She swallowed.
"And what are you doing now?"
