"G-greetings, Lady Reinhardt." One of the knights stepped forward, his armor clinking as he adjusted his grip on his torch. His eyes flicked past her imposing figure, toward the shadows of the alley behind her. "Why are you outside at this hour?"
Olga didn't flinch. She lifted her chin, the moonlight catching on her stern profile. Her voice was steady, almost casual. "The princess wished to take a stroll tonight."
A hush fell over the knights. They exchanged wary glances, their gazes darting to the slim figure veiled in a white cloak just a few steps behind Olga.
The torchlight made the pale fabric glow faintly, unmistakably marking the Saint of the Kingdom. Behind her, several other shapes stood cloaked in heavy shadows, their features obscured but their presence undeniable.
The knights shifted uneasily, the weight of the situation pressing in. Finally, another spoke, his tone more cautious than before.
