By the time breakfast ended, the tension in the dining hall had dulled but not disappeared. Conversations were quiet, restrained, and the servants moved around us as if afraid to make the slightest noise.
Elias finished the last of his tea before setting the cup down.
"I have guard training this morning," he said calmly.
I looked up immediately.
"Guard training?"
He nodded. "Yes. The captains insist I still train with them regularly."
A small smile tugged at my lips.
"Can I come?"
For a moment he looked surprised, then amusement flickered across his face.
"Of course."
Immediately Nero's voice appeared in my mind.
[Host.]
What?
[Do you remember the last time you watched Elias train?]
I paused.
Unfortunately… yes.
[You called his sweat attractive.]
Heat crept into my face.
Do not worry. That will not happen this time.
Nero hummed in clear disbelief.
[That is exactly what someone who will absolutely do it again would say.]
