Caelith's silver eyes met hers. For a moment, he didn't speak.
Then he gave her a lopsided smile. "Looks like our adventure's being paused, Princess Pebble-tamer."
She held Pebbleton tighter. "But you didn't even say goodbye to mother or father… or my brothers…"
"I'll send my regards," he said gently. "And a much longer letter of apology with dramatic doodles."
The eunuch nodded once. The guard shifted just enough to signal they would wait—but not forever.
Caelith stepped closer to her.
"You're brave, Evelisse," he said quietly. "You don't pretend. That's rare in our world." His gaze dropped to her gloved hands. "And you throw gloves like a champion."
She bit her lip. "Will you come back?"
He leaned down, lips near her ear like he was sharing the kingdom's biggest secret.
"I have a feeling I'll be needed sooner than you think." His voice dropped. "Besides, I promised Pebbleton his second dance."
