As soon as the carriage halted before the mansion, Athillia wasted no time. She stepped down swiftly, skirts brushing against the gravel as she hurried toward the foyer.
"Lady Athillia, wait!" Eli's voice rang behind her, his boots striking the ground in a rapid beat as soon as he descended from his warhorse.
She turned around, her face marked with irritation.
"What do you want?"
"I need to speak with you, please."
Eli knew this might be his last chance. In a few days, she would leave, and she had already begun avoiding him whenever she could. The only reason he could still be near her was his role as her escort. But even that was ending soon.
"I have nothing to say to you," Athillia replied coldly. "Though I am grateful for what you've done, your service won't be required much. I won't trouble you any further." Her words carried the edge of sarcasm.
Frustration flared across Eli's face.
"Come on… please. Just give me a chance!"
