When we returned to the palace, the sun hung high and warm, the ride's tension softened into something gentler.
Yuri had been smiling—genuinely smiling—for the first time in days, and that alone made the outing worthwhile.
But the moment we dismounted, she straightened, eyes clear with resolve.
"Julius. Serena." She bowed lightly. "I… need to work off the strange habits that woman left in my muscles. I'll head to the legionary grounds."
Serena nodded approvingly. "Better to relearn your own rhythm before bad technique sets in."
Yuri gave me a small smile—brave, but still fragile. "I'll be back by evening. Don't… talk about me behind my back."
She tried to make it a joke.
She failed.
But the attempt alone showed she was healing.
I brushed her hair gently. "Go. Burn it all out."
She flushed faintly and hurried off toward the training barracks, her steps light and determined.
Which left Serena and me alone in the courtyard.
