By the time they reached the meeting grounds, the field was already alive with movement.
Knights stood in clusters beneath their respective banners. Different crests gleamed against polished armor.
The Sunward Sentinels' gold and white.
The Goldflame Order's burning insignia.
The Dawnward Bloom's softer, elegant sigil.
Before they could properly step forward and announce themselves, Ezra slowed.
He felt like he needed to say something.
"Your Highness."
Aurien stopped mid-step and turned back to him. "Yes, Captain Ezra?"
Ezra drew in a steady breath.
'I might regret this,' he thought.
"I owe you an apology," he said plainly. "If I ever treated you as though you were weak."
He paused, then corrected himself. "No. Not if. I did."
Aurien blinked.
Ezra kept his gaze level. "I will be honest. I was not…particularly fond of you."
Aurien let out a small chuckle.
The sound caught Ezra off guard. It was not offended. Not cold. Just amused.
