The flicker of candlelight bathed the small room in a soft, warm glow along the walls as Jasmine and Alpheo sat across from each other. The faint crackle of the hearth added to the cozy atmosphere, the fire fighting off the cold that pressed against the castle walls.
They sat in plush chairs, their postures relaxed, legs stretched out as they sipped wine from ornate silver goblets.Alpheo swirled his cup idly, eyes fixed on the flames as they flickered and leaped, while Jasmine reclined with one arm resting casually over the chair's armrest.
Alpheo leaned back in his chair, setting his goblet aside as his gaze shifted from the burning fire to Jasmine. The warmth of the room and the ease of their conversation had lowered his guard, and now, curiosity flickered in his eyes .
"So," he began, his voice steady but tinged with interest "did anything worthwhile happen during the month I was away? Any news I should be concerned about?"
