The castle gates opened before us, iron bars parting with a heavy groan as the carriage rolled into the courtyard. The familiar stone walls rose around us, tall and immovable, banners shifting gently in the afternoon breeze.
The carriage slowed, then stopped.
Before the attendant could move, Elias stepped down first. He turned immediately and offered me his hand.
I placed my fingers into his gloved palm and allowed him to guide me down. My shoes touched the stone smoothly, skirts settling without disorder.
He did not release my hand right away.
For a brief moment, he simply looked at me.
Then he exhaled softly. "I must speak with Cassian regarding the church preparations."
"Of course," I replied.
His thumb brushed once across my knuckles, subtle enough that no one else would notice. "Do not overthink the newspaper."
"I rarely overthink," I said calmly.
Nero snorted.
[Historical revision detected.]
Elias almost smiled. "I will see you this evening."
"Very well."
