An Escape Plan

While Dora and Kael lay in waiting for the arrival of Dora's kidnapper in the small clinic, a soft knock echoed in the dimly lit corridor leading to Prince Rafe's office on the other coast of Petrovia. The door opened after a Prince Rafe allowed the person to enter, and a woman, her eyes downcast, was ushered inside by the Prince's assistant.

Pausing at the threshold, she cast a glance at the man sitting behind the desk and stepped forward, her fingers clutching a set of papers tightly to her chest.

Prince Rafe, seated behind his ornate desk, stood up at her entrance. It was a matter of his regard for her that instead of waiting for her to bow as was expected due to his rank, he chose to go to her. His eyes softened the moment they landed on her. He strode toward her, a subtle air of authority in every step, until he stood just before her. Without hesitation, he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on the crown of her head, his lips lingering.