"I must offer my deepest apologies. Because of my poor health, I have been unable to properly fulfill my duties as your royal escort over the past few days. It is a grave lapse in hospitality on my part."
Philia kept his hands folded elegantly in front of him, standing with perfect, rigid posture. His porcelain skin looked even paler than usual under the bright morning light filtering through the pavilion's high windows, but he forced himself to maintain the impeccable stance required of a royal host, despite the faint tremor of exhaustion in his limbs.
Seated across from one another at the table, enjoying the spread of breakfast, were the Solaric siblings. They looked up from their plates, their relaxed, seated positions contrasting sharply with Philia's formal, standing presence.
Gillian immediately smiled. He waved his hand dismissively in the air, radiating the easy charm of a visiting royal who knew exactly how to play his cards.
