They walked a few steps in silence before Daphne spoke.
"Ric… we should check on Arin."
Alaric glanced down at her. He already knew why she was saying it. He felt it too, the weight of what his friend had just learned, the way his whole world had cracked open in minutes.
"I know," he said. "But you need to rest."
She stopped walking and turned to face him. "I can't just sit and sulk," she said. "And don't forget, I'm not fragile."
He sighed. "You really won't let this go."
"No," she replied.
He sighed deeper this time, then he nodded. "Alright."
They changed direction and headed toward Arin's chambers.
The guards along the corridor bowed as they passed.
When they reached the sitting room, the door was slightly open.
Katherine stepped out just as they approached.
Her face was drawn, she looked tired. She shook her head before either of them could speak.
"He won't answer me," she said. "He kept telling me to leave. He says he wants to be alone."
