Valerie stood before the mirror, his gaze fixed on the slowly healing wound marring his features. With a cloth soaked in water, he attempted to clean away the dried blood that had crusted on his face. Though his expression remained stoic, his reflection belied the turmoil raging within him.
Behind the facade of calmness, Valerie's heart churned with a whirlwind of emotions. Guilt gnawed at him for his actions, regret weighed heavy on his conscience, and beneath it all, a deep-seated fear lingered, fearing the repercussions of his behavior. He had not meant to —
Valerie's attention snapped towards the door as it swung open abruptly, causing him to startle at the unexpected intrusion. His eyes narrowed in mild irritation as he turned to face the source of the disturbance.
"Your Highness," the voice continued, a note of concern evident in the tone. "I heard a thud, then picked up the scent of blood…"
