Your Highness," a familiar voice called out, fracturing the quiet of the threshold.
Odesse and Cara both turned to see Eryx walking toward them from the path leading to the western grounds. He wore his usual linen tunic, and his leather apron was slightly dusty from work, but his posture was tense, and his hands fidgeted at his sides. As his eyes locked onto Odesse, a flash of hesitation crossed his face, caught between the girl he used to share jokes with and the Queen standing before him now.
He stopped a few paces away and quickly bowed his head. "Forgive the interruption. I... I was hoping to speak with you. Privately, if it pleases your Highness."
Odesse blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift. She looked back at Cara, who glanced between Eryx and her. Odesse gave her a reassuring nod, and Cara stepped back, indicating that she would wait in the courtyard.
"Of course, Eryx," Odesse said softly.
