393 Defiance in the archduchy (part 2)

"I left the Crown Prince's side when Egon reached the hill because you called for me... Noctavian was meditating when I left, but he appeared quite disturbed to me."

Panic quickly surged through Adela, "Something troubled Noctavian in that forest, but I never had the opportunity to inquire about it."

Arkin attempted to offer her comfort though his worry showed clearly. "You've only returned a couple of hours ago; he's probably sleep-deprived."

"Our prince doesn't need as much sleep as we do, Sir Arkin," Rauul noted. "Did Egon look worse than the night before after sleeping soundly by any chance?"

The ex-mercenary masked his emotions behind a stoic expression but silently concurred with a nod. "The little wolf that was lying by Noctavian's side while he meditated got very defensive when Egon showed up, and then she scurried to the middle of the hill away from him."