The evening had grown loud. Not unpleasantly so.
Peduviel did not celebrate with the rigid formality of Athax or the disciplined restraint of the North. Laughter filled the great hall long after dinner had ended. Musicians played in the corners while nobles drifted from table to table carrying cups of wine.
Aya had slipped away when the noise became too much. She walked alone through one of the outer corridors that overlooked the palace gardens, letting the cooler night air steady her thoughts. Lanterns burned low along the walls, their light spilling across polished stone.
She had nearly reached the far arch when she heard hurried footsteps coming from the adjoining passage.
Not the steady pace of servants.
Faster.
Uneven.
Aya slowed, instinctively alert.
A shadow shot around the corner and collided directly with her.
The impact drove a breath from her chest as strong hands caught her shoulders to keep them both from crashing to the floor.
"Forgive-"
