They finally arrived in front of the hotel. Unlike their discreet exit earlier in the evening, Kaiser guided Irene toward the main hall. A few late guests were still crossing the lobby, but the atmosphere was serene. Irene noticed the discreet glances cast upon them; she was still wearing her hood slightly lowered, but her appearance still drew attention.
They climbed the stone staircase leading to the upper floors. Upon reaching the door of their suite, Kaiser took out the key and opened it. The room was just as they had left it.
As soon as the door closed behind them, they removed their coats. Irene hung hers on the coat rack, while Kaiser tossed his coat over the back of an armchair. She let out a long sigh of relief, her shoulders slumping, and stretched her arms slightly, making a vertebra crack softly.
"It was time to come back," she said softly, a tired but happy smile on her lips. "This evening was perfect. Really..."
