The evening quiet settled in the grand halls of Volkshalle, its usual air of authority replaced by an unusual calm. Alexander and Julieanne walked side by side through the winding corridors, their earlier activities still lingering in their minds. For a day, the Supreme Leader and his closest advisor had allowed themselves the smallest glimpse of normalcy—a life outside the weight of power.
As they reached the private lounge reserved for moments of reprieve, Alexander gestured for Julieanne to enter first. The room was modest by Volkshalle's standards, with a roaring fire and two leather armchairs flanking a small table. A decanter of Valorian brandy and two crystal glasses waited, as if anticipating their arrival.
Julieanne took a seat, smoothing the creases in her blazer. "It's strange, isn't it?" she remarked, watching the flames. "To spend a day doing something so ordinary, and yet feel so refreshed."
