"Do you know how worried I was?" Astrid asked, her voice filled with concern. "I thought you left because I avoided you." Her eyes welled up with tears.
I was still in bed at the Everhart Duchy. Everyone kept insisting that I not take a step, and here I am, still stuck in bed even now. Kieran went back after staying the night, and Father stayed here until yesterday. I forced him to go back, though.
I took a deep breath before continuing. "I'm fine now, Astrid. And I didn't leave because of you. I followed Lumi and got into this mess. I'm sorry if I worried you."
Her face lit up with a warm smile. "It's not your fault, Riona.
"Then how about we continue being friends?" I asked her, my voice filled with affection.
"What are you talking about? Of course, we are and always be friends," she said, opening her arms for a hug.
