When Mia finally returned with Oliver, who had spent the last minutes standing guard like an idiot in front of my completely empty room, the upset look I received from him was entirely expected.
I had to assure him at least three times that I would not attempt to slip away on my own without his knowledge ever again before he finally accepted my word and agreed to move out.
Truthfully, it was understandable. He and Mia had been personally handpicked by Arges to protect and watch over me. His frustration likely stemmed from a sense of loyalty and the great responsibility that came with bearing the crest of a Royal Guard.
Regardless, the matter was settled. Eleanor, Leilah, and I moved forward together, tightly flanked by Mia and Oliver. We had not bothered to wake Alan and Elric; dragging them along would have simply been too much. They were almost certainly asleep by now, and I preferred they remained so.
