Eliora took a breath.
"I can explain..."
A knock cut her off.
All three of them looked toward the door.
Justin frowned. "Who is that?"
"Come in," Maya said, still holding Eliora's hand.
The door opened and a servant stepped inside. He bowed quickly, clearly uncomfortable with the tension in the room.
"I'm sorry to interrupt," he said. "Lady Eliora."
Maya's grip tightened at the title.
The servant went on,"Commander Aldric asked me to inform you that it's time for your combat lesson. He's waiting."
The room went quiet.
"Combat? With the Commander? As in the famous Commander Aldric?" Justin repeated slowly, like he wasn't sure he heard right.
Maya turned sharply to Eliora. "Combat lesson?"
Eliora felt her stomach sink. Of all times.
She stood up at once. "I...I didn't know he'd send for me this early."
The servant nodded apologetically. "He asked that you come as soon as possible."
"Thank you," Eliora replied.
He bowed again and left, closing the door behind him.
