Much like the duke's estate, the moment I stepped down from my carriage, I was greeted by a long line of priests and attendants — short of rolling out a red carpet, they might as well have hailed me like some silver-screen celebrity.
I forced an awkward smile and made my way past them, their heads bowed in unison as if they were welcoming home their long-lost sovereign.
My steps grew brisker with every awkward bow, fueled by secondhand embarrassment. This was the kind of torture reserved for introverts. Do they even realize that?
"Your Highness, you've returned!"
Just inside the sanctuary, Monica and Annie rushed up, each grabbing a hand and beaming. Judging by their expressions, they'd been worried ever since I charged straight into enemy lines that night.
I closed the double doors behind me, sealing off the noise and fluster from outside. Smiling softly, I patted their hands in silent reassurance.
"I'm back. How's Drake? Is he healing?"
