Joanne had been watching him for a while now. Eli could sense her gentle gaze.
She sat still, studying him with an expression of concern and curiosity. The orb glowed steady between them, with Irene's silence filling the chamber as she waited for him to speak.
Eli lifted his head.
"M-My Lady, I know this is a big ask. I understand exactly what I am putting on your shoulders. I feel the same way. I also want to save Lady Navia's legacy and everything she's built. But… your safety is the most important to me."
He paused.
"I cannot put you in a situation where I might lose you… my Lady."
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Joanne uncross her arms and stand up from her chair. She picked up her cup of coffee she had brought in earlier.
"I'll leave you guys to it."
She gave Eli a light nod and walked out of the chamber, shutting the door behind her.
He sat alone in the chamber now, the orb's amber glow the only company left.
