The heavy thud of my boots echoes in the hallway as I march toward Elena's room, Kael trailing like a lethal shadow.
Who the hell made her cry? I'm ready to burn the whole palace down if I find out a noble insulted her while I was busy playing the visionary.
At her door, I gesture for Kael to stand guard. I slip inside and click the door shut. Elena jolts, her shoulders hitching as she frantically wipes her face.
"What... what are you doing here, big sister?" she asks, her voice thin and shaky.
"Don't act tough in front of me," I say firmly, sitting on the edge of her bed. I reach out to pat her back. "What happened? Why are you crying?"
"I'm not crying!" she insists, burying her face in her knees to hide the evidence.
"Say that again while looking at me," I counter. I gently cup her face, forcing her to meet my eyes. Her emerald eyes are swimming in tears, her nose pink and trembling.
