Florabelle's east wing always smelled faintly of rosewater and ink. Morning light spilled through its stained-glass archways, casting soft hues of gold and lavender onto polished stone floors.
Evelisse's slippers clicked softly with every step, her hands clasped neatly in front of her as she led Caelith down the corridor.
"The eastern gallery holds portraits of past rulers," she said, glancing sideways at him. "Some of them were terribly vain. Please don't laugh if you see the triple chin one."
"I wouldn't dare," Caelith replied, voice low with a hint of amusement.
He made a face mimicking some of the portraits, forcing at most a double chin to force a laugh from her.
A pause passed. The only sounds were the rustle of his cape, the quiet thump of Fluffy's invisible tail against the marble, and the soft footsteps of the guards and Lady Marwen, still muttering into her sleeve.
