Elowen led Mikhailis away from the bustling banquet hall, her hand resting lightly on his arm as they walked through the dimly lit corridor. She glanced back at the door they had just left behind, her expression softening from the regal mask she wore in public. Her steps were a little slower, as if she was gathering her thoughts before she spoke. Mikhailis watched her in silence, letting her guide them through the castle until they reached a small, secluded sitting room. She let out a sigh as the door clicked shut, her shoulders slumping slightly, the tension finally beginning to show.
"Mikhailis," she began, her voice barely above a whisper, "I'm sorry for what happened tonight." She moved to one of the chairs, her golden eyes meeting his. There was a vulnerability there, one she rarely showed in public.
"I had hoped this banquet would be a chance for us to relax, even if only for a while. But now..." Her voice trailed off as she shook her head.