Observing her confusion, Drayce raised an eyebrow. "Even in my presence, you seem lost. What's on your mind?"
Shaking her head, Seren shifted the conversation. "Why are you out here in the cold? You should be resting."
"I'm tired of resting," he admitted. "And I wanted to inform you that we need to return to the palace. The royal troop that departed from Othinia has arrived in the capital."
Seren frowned, concern etched on her features. "Returning to the palace means you'll be engulfed in work and won't rest at all."
Drayce gently took her hand, his touch reassuring. "I am perfectly fine, My Queen," he assured, placing her hand over his heart. "Feel my heartbeat—it's steady and healthy now. I've been away for too long, and I can't neglect my duties to our Kingdom. You understand, don't you?"
Seren nodded reluctantly. "But you must promise to heed my pleas to rest."
"I will, I promise," Drayce affirmed.
