The chirping of crickets blended with the steady patter of hooves against the dirt path.
Eric and Drac rode the same horse, its pace unhurried, while Lysanne kept alongside them on Angus. The night stretched quietly around them, heavy with unspoken tension.
None of them spoke after leaving the clearing.
Lysanne's grip on the reins tightened.
She didn't want to disappoint her father but here they were.
"Miss Lysanne."
She flinched at Eric's voice.
"Y–Yes, Your Highness."
Eric studied her for a moment, his expression calm but attentive, as though he were piecing something together rather than passing judgment.
"I would like an explanation," he said evenly, "about what is going on here."
Lysanne lowered her gaze. For a moment, she said nothing. Then she exhaled slowly.
"All right…" she murmured. "But I have a request, Your Highness."
Eric tilted his head slightly. Drac glanced at her as well.
