Kiev's steps slowed as he wandered the quiet cloister beside the garden. Night had long fallen, and after dinner the mansion had grown hushed, its occupants retreating to their chambers for rest.
Loneliness pressed in on him. Usually, Elis would be at his side, listening to his stories, trading thoughts with him, and sharing the stillness together. But not tonight.
After their quarrel earlier, even when he had led her away from the training ground, she had remained silent, refusing even a glance in his direction. She obeyed outwardly, yet her anger lingered like a veil between them.
The Mederian Prince's heart weighed heavily. Winning back his sulking wife seemed more daunting than commanding troops on a battlefield, for her heart was a dense forest he had yet to learn to navigate.
He had tried speaking to her, but she avoided him at every turn the whole afternoon. Even Jessy had advised him to step away for an hour after dinner without explanation.
