Kael continued walking without quickening his pace.
The inner corridor was silent at that hour, illuminated by the golden light of the late afternoon that streamed through the tall windows. The castle seemed… restrained, as if it too were exhausted after a whole day of tension, impact, and relearning.
Exelia recognized the path.
"...My room," she murmured, when the double doors appeared ahead.
Kael nodded.
"Where else would you rest?"
He pushed the door open with his foot and entered without difficulty, still carrying it as if it weighed absolutely nothing. The room was exactly as always: too organized for someone who lived in war, too simple for someone with so much power. Light curtains swayed gently in the breeze, and the familiar scent of wood, clean metal, and dried herbs filled the air.
Kael walked to the bed and carefully placed her on it, only then letting her go.
Exelia took a deep breath.
Her legs were still weak, but the firm mattress helped.
