Afternoon settled quietly over the Duchy of Astran.
After the morning's feast, the Count and his family had decided to remain for two more days. The Duke had pestered them relentlessly, insisting that such a short visit was an insult to the bond between their houses, and eventually the Count had laughed and conceded.
The decision was made over the last of the wine, when both men were already more than a little wasted from drink. Not long after, their respective wives guided the two laughing, slightly unsteady lords back to their chambers, leaving the main halls of the castle noticeably quieter.
Elara excused herself as well, citing the need to rest after the morning's exertion. She offered Julian a small, almost shy nod before departing, the earlier conversation in the garden still clearly lingering in her thoughts.
Now, in the privacy of his own room, Julian sat cross-legged on the floor.
