"Back then, Father used to get furious when we trampled his roses. I remember you took the blame, though. Always the gallant one."
Roland laughed, a deep, hearty sound that echoed softly in the quiet path.
"Someone had to keep you out of trouble," he said, his tone fond. "But look at you now—leading armies, serving the emperor himself. Your father's proud, you know. So am I. It's been too long. Mind if I walk with you? I'd love to catch up."
Seraphine's tension eased slightly, her lips twitching into a hesitant smile.
"Of course, I'd like that." She fell into step beside him, her armor clinking faintly as they wandered toward a quieter path lined with flowering shrubs, the courtyard's clamor fading behind them.
Roland paused, his expression sobering as he glanced at her. "And you? How's life treating you, Seraphine? The court, the war… it's a heavy load."
Seraphine's smile faltered, her fingers tightening around the scroll as her thoughts drifted to Arkanos.
