Alina limped across the last stretch of the courtyard, every step making the pain in her ankle and shoulder worse. Behind her, the nobles were already whispering again, pretending the sabotage didn't happen at all. There was no way they hadn't noticed it but they decided to ignore it.
"She was never suited for this."
"She looked so pathetic."
Alina kept on walking. Austin was already waiting for her at edge of the courtyard.
The moment she crossed the line, he moved towards her immediately.
"Alina."
Before she could lie and say she was fine, he scooped her carefully into his arms. Alina leaned her head against his chest and closed her eyes. She was exhausted.
He carried her through the palace corridors in silence. Servants and guards moved out of their way when they saw them coming. As soon as they reached her room, he pushed the door open with his shoulder and carried her inside.
