58 How Nice Would It Be?

Aila was confused by Nerio's referencing the princess. Wasn't the princess dead? That seemed an insensitive thing to say to her grieving brother, even if the two of them weren't rumored to be particularly close. 

She remained confused as Nerio escorted her back to the main palace garden where she was supposed to be waiting this whole time. Thankfully, her father's meeting was just finishing up when she arrived. Her absence had not been noted. 

Yuval seemed frustrated when he left the throne room but that turned into surprise when he saw who was with her. "Who is this?"

"Sir Nerio of the coral palace. Prince Zale has gifted him to me as a sign of his favor," Aila said, repeating what she had heard earlier. "We bumped into each other here while you were in your meeting."

"…what did you talk about to receive such a gift?"

"Not much," Aila lied.