Iliana smiled, raising the letter he had entrusted to Eilika to hand over to her. "I think I came because of this," she replied softly. "And soon after, news of what transpired at the palace reached us. I believe the entire kingdom knows by now." Her hand fell back to her side.
"Forgive me for my absence that day," Sylvian said. "I fully intended to come to you, as I had promised."
"Your Highness owes me no apology," Iliana said gently. "You were under no obligation to see me, and I well understand that urgent matters of state demanded your immediate return to the capital."
"Thank you for your understanding, Miss Iliana," Sylvian answered. "I can show you around."
"Is His Highness sure about that? If he walks with me, the questionable eyes will demand answers why a woman of my stature is with you. I came here because I felt it was the right thing to do. Maybe I can come some other day when the crowd will be less."
