Before I can muster up the courage to climb up after him—or, you know, surrender—a soft chuckle interrupts my thoughts. I whip my head to the side and feel my heart skip a beat. Standing there, looking effortlessly graceful and ethereal, is none other than the General's consort, Noelle. He's dressed in a long-sleeved pink shirt, the soft fabric complementing his delicate features. Honestly, even the color pink bows in submission to his beauty.
I feel my face heat up as I quickly drop into a bow. "G-Greetings, my lord," I stammer out, trying to sound composed despite the fact that I probably look like a flushed, ruffled mess. My hands are shaking slightly from the adrenaline of chasing Grape—or maybe from standing in front of Noelle himself.
He waves away my greeting with a casual flick of his wrist, a gentle smile playing at his lips.
"No need for that, Tessa," he says, his voice warm and calming. "It seems Grape's giving you a hard time again."
