One of his thumbs soothed over the First Princess' forehead, and the tight lines that twisted her face began to disappear until her expression became lax.
She stared blankly into the distance, and her head slightly leaned into his touch in a rare show of dependence. The normally dignified and stern Su'Adrit was like a child in that moment, allowing herself to be soothed by a soft touch.
General Elai had no time to enjoy this change. Firstly, the situation did not call for such indulgence, and secondly, the First Princess recovered from her stunned state almost as seamlessly as she had fallen into it.
She stepped away from him as if she were completely unaware of the small gentleness that had been exchanged between them.
