Izabella's expression softened.
"You'll be fine."
"I know."
That wasn't the problem.
Probably.
She stood from the chair beside my bed and picked up the empty cup.
"Try to sleep early."
I stared at her.
"Try?"
She paused.
Then corrected herself.
"Sleep early."
"Better."
She smiled.
"Your carriage leaves after sunrise."
"I know."
"And you still need to finish packing."
"I've packed."
"Did you pack clothes?"
"...Why is everyone asking me that?"
"Because I know you."
"That's discrimination."
"Goodnight, Al."
She walked toward the entrance.
Before stepping outside, she paused.
Then turned back toward me.
"Have a safe trip."
I gave her a lazy wave.
"I'll try not to get kidnapped."
Her expression immediately flattened.
Ah.
Wrong joke.
"Too soon?"
"Yes."
"Noted."
She left.
The tent flap fell closed.
Finally.
Silence.
Beautiful silence.
I placed the dinner tray aside and dropped backward onto my bed.
My head landed against the pillow.
