“Ha…”

Elena opened her eyes. The dim light of the candles and lanterns flickered in the darkness. She had laid down for a short rest, but it seemed the sun had already set.

“Ah, my lady.”

The head maid, who was dozing off next to her, got up in a hurry and bowed.

“It must be night already. I’ve put you through a burden.”

Elena faintly smiled, and the maid bowed even lower, humbled by Elena’s words.

“It is my natural obligation. Here, let me change your wet towel.”

“No, I don’t think I have a fever anymore. I would like to sit for a while.”

“Of course, my lady.”

Elena took the head maid’s carefully held out hand, stood up from her large bed, and walked towards a soft chair.

“Did the children head to the banquet?”

“Yes, it has already been a couple of hours. Here you are, my lady.”

“Thank you.”

Elena sipped on tea that was good for colds, then turned her head to look out of the window. Far away, a half-moon had shown itself and created a hazy swarm of light on the sea surface. And the city at the end of the coastline was emitting a brilliant glow, as if to overshadow the loneliness of the night sea.

“I hope nothing happens…" Recalling her ill-ties with Count Sagunda, Elena murmured in a low voice.

“Don’t worry, my lady. His Grace Alan, as well...