I was halfway through the west corridor when Elliot found me.
Not rushed. Not out of breath. Just present in the way he always was when something had already been observed and weighed before being brought forward.
"My lord."
I glanced at him briefly, slowing just enough to acknowledge him without fully stopping. "What is it?"
"I saw Lady Evelyne heading toward the riding grounds."
That was enough to shift my attention.
"The Duke is there," he added.
Of course he was.
I let that sit for a moment, then continued walking.
Elliot did not move, i noticed that after two steps.
"And you're still here?" I asked.
There was a pause behind me before he answered, "I wasn't aware I was being dismissed."
I stopped this time and turned slightly, just enough to look at him properly.
"You should be where he is."
Elliot held my gaze for a second, then inclined his head. "Understood."
He didn't ask for clarification, because he didn't need it.
He turned and left without another word.
