Vyrelda's voice cut through the forest silence, loud and unapologetic.
"I cannot believe this! I panicked! I searched the whole area like a madwoman, and what did I find?" She flailed her arms for emphasis, her golden hair waving around her.
"I found the two of you trapped in the forest and—" she drew out her words, her gaze narrowing, "—having a date!"
Mikhailis let out a soft chuckle, only for Vyrelda to round on him, her eyes ablaze.
"And you! You were supposed to be on your best behavior! Instead, here you are, making the Queen…" she paused, gesturing vaguely between the two of them, "making her act like—like that!"
"Vyrelda, I…" Elowen began, her face flushed with embarrassment, but before she could say anything else, Serelith cut in with her usual sly smirk.
"You're just envious, aren't you, Vyrelda?" Serelith teased, her voice a lilting whisper.