Holding Eleanor, Murphy walked with steady steps through the debris-strewn hallway, but he did not leave Taymer Palace immediately.
Although the intruder had been dealt with, the chaos from the attack had yet to subside, and panic lingered in the air.
As Duke Temeris's closest current ally, and more importantly, as Eleanor's father, his departure now would only heighten the panic.
He needed to make an appearance to stabilize the situation, even if only for a short while.
He didn't head for the main hall or the council chamber, but instead walked directly toward Eleanor's private chambers deep within the palace.
It was more secluded there.
The scattered guards and still-shaken servants they passed all wore expressions of relief mixed with awe upon seeing Murphy appear with a safe and sound Eleanor in his arms.
They bowed deeply, instinctively clearing a path. The pervasive atmosphere of panic seemed to calm slightly at the sight of his steady presence.
