The battle begins

The commotion drew everyone to the doors. As they emerged, they witnessed Aragon striding into the castle as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. His nonchalance in the face of such a dramatic entrance only added to the awe he inspired.

Duchess Malaica was the first to approach him. "You have arrived," she stated, her tone a mixture of relief and something deeper, more personal. Aragon responded with a simple nod, his expression unreadable. Without further ado, Malaica led him towards her quarters, the two of them quickly disappearing from view.

From their vantage point on the watchtower, Griselda and Servvas observed the unfolding scene.

Griselda, her curiosity piqued, remarked, "She seems close with him?"

Servvas, his voice tinged with a hint of old gossip, replied, "They were almost married."