Chapter 182

"Don't tarry too long."

Hebaron shrugged his brawny shoulders as he walked out. Riftan finished feeding Talon the apple before he went to wash his hands in a pail of water.

"You should return to the bedchamber."

Riftan shook his hands dry and picked up the overgarment he had draped over the stall divider. Rem snorted, and Maxi stroked her neck as she anxiously searched Riftan's face.

"D-Do you… think something happened?"

"The spies we sent to the duchy have returned. That's it."

After gauging Maxi's dark expression, Riftan let out a low sigh and draped her cloak around her shoulders.

"It's nothing, so stop worrying and get some rest. I want you to go straight to our chambers. No wandering off."

He swept her messy bangs upward and kissed her forehead. Maxi forced a smile. They made their way back to the castle, where Riftan watched her go inside before heading to the training grounds.