"As you all are aware of," Sir Duncan started, his eyes roaming the room, "my presence here isn't permanent. We are to wait until the Emperor has decided the arrangements of the festival. Since this troupe is my responsibility, I will provide everything that's needed for our soon production."
Evelina stared at the old man, his confidence beaming. He showed no lingering feelings about her decision, smiling as often as he had been before. In fact, he welcomed her back enthusiastically that it almost scared her, the shame bubbling deep inside her.
She wanted to run away again.
Seriously, why can they not be how she expected them to be?
Nelle, who sat opposite the vampiress, stretched her arms lazily. "What took you long this morning, father?"
It was a different Nelle from what she had seen the last time. This one was more relaxed, the heaviness of the past situation taken off her back. But never once did the girl meet her eyes.
