The quiet stillness of the late evening had finally settled over the grand palace guest wing, blanketing the bustling capital in a rare, peaceful hush. Inside her private chambers, Iryna sat near the ambient glow of the fireplace, the soft crackle of the fireplace offering a comforting warmth after another long day of exhausting royal pleasantries.
The heavy, gold-trimmed doors to her room creaked open slightly, and Gillian slipped inside. He scanned the room quickly, ensuring the palace servants and ever-watchful capital advisors had truly retired for the night before closing the doors behind him.
"I wanted to check in on you," Gillian said softly, walking over to join his sister by the fire. He looked at her quiet posture, his voice carrying a note of genuine care. "Tell me honestly, Iryna, do you have any regrets about coming with me here to Auzelian?"
