Liliana huffed as she sheathed her sword, the faint click echoing against the quiet stretch of road. Her sharp eyes turned toward the knights still waiting by their mounts.
"Get your horses ready," she ordered. "We leave in five minutes."
The knights nodded quickly, though a few dared to exchange exhausted glances. The day had been long—too long—and no one wanted to test the countess's patience.
Jio, ever the quiet and obedient one, climbed back onto the driver's seat of the carriage. He adjusted his gloves, straightened his posture, and flicked the reins gently. The horses neighed but didn't move.
The reason came in the form of one annoyingly calm voice.
"Countess," Aithur called, his tone smooth enough to make her grip her hilt again.
Liliana froze mid-step and turned with a glare that could split stone. "What?"
