Outside in the corridor, Valen and Karson stood side by side against the wall.
Valen shifted his weight and rested one hand at his side, glancing up at the high ceiling above them.
"The little visit to the orphanage went well, by the way," Valen said, striking up a casual tone to break the ice. "We delivered the extra supplies and some money. The staff and the kids were extremely happy to see us."
Karson kept his hands folded neatly behind his lower back, his posture as rigid and upright as a statue. He gave a polite nod. "That is good to hear, Sir Valen. Lord Philia always seems at peace when he spends time down at the orpahange. It is perhaps the only place where he can breathe without the weight of the court pressing down on him."
"He does," Valen agreed softly. He turned his head slightly toward Karson, watching the aide's sharp profile. "How have things been around the palace while we were out there? Any trouble?"
