71 Hurried departure

When I reach the carriage, my Duke has already prepared everything. The only problem is that he didn't let me change. He's in such a hurry that he asked me to come here straight after the meeting with the Emperor.

«Have you sobered a bit?» I inquire while walking to him.

Alexander steps in my direction and hugs me tightly. His arms use so much strength that I can hear my bones crunch. Unfortunately, this can't be used as a signal of his drunkenness. He would do this in any situation.

«I'm sorry, Thea,» he whispers. «I haven't protected you enough.»

What? He was the one that saved my life.

«Are we going to leave?» I inquire. «Are you feeling well enough to travel?»

«I'm fine,» he nods. «Just let the charioteer time to fix the seat.»

Fix what? Do we have a broken carriage? Seriously?

I glance at the coach, and I notice that what the charioteer is doing is moving one of the seats.