The three of us continued our slow, deliberate stroll down the sunlit stone path, the quiet crunch of light snow beneath our boots echoing through the manicured garden. Elara's hand remained lightly anchored against the small of Alicia's back, her thumb stroking the heavy fabric of the wool cloak she had draped over the prisoner's shoulders. Alicia walked with her head tilted down, a permanent, delicate blush dusting her high cheekbones as she carefully absorbed every low, sultry remark Elara threw her way.
"You walk so gracefully, my sweet pie," Elara purred, leaning down so her lips nearly brushed the shell of Alicia's ear. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you were floating across the courtyard just to tease me."
Alicia caught her breath, her eyelashes fluttering as she looked up through a soft, flustered haze. "Lady Elara, please... the Duchess is right behind us. You must exercise some measure of noble restraint."
