Trusting

Alice stood on the balcony, looking at the night sky. Baery and Kumaraghosha had already left Yellowstone Province with the army a few days ago. Perhaps it was because of the place's proximity to her home, or maybe it was because of the refugees, but she stayed behind.

The entire mansion was silent. The mercenaries had left with Anfey, and the only ones that stayed with her were Shinbela and the mercenaries Shinbela had trained to keep Alice safe.

"Alice?" Suzanna called as she walked out onto the balcony. She wrapped a shawl around Alice's shoulder and said, "It's chilly outside. You need to stay healthy."

"Thanks, Suzanna," Alice said quietly.

Suzanna sighed. She didn't like how uptight Alice was. Despite how long they'd known each other, Alice still refused to let go of her manners.

"The rumors of Anfey?"

Suzanna nodded. "If they want to do something, they will do it soon."

"Be careful," Alice reminded Suzanna.