Chapter 134: She Is Our Sister
"Are you looking for me?" Lara exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. She gestured animatedly to herself while her gaze remained fixated on Bener. "Why?"
Bener hesitated, his gaze darting to the ground. "Asael asked me to find you," he said, the words tumbling out too quickly. He clung to his brother’s name like a lifeline, using it as a convenient excuse—a scapegoat.
Lara’s playful expression faded. "Is something wrong with Asael?" Her brow knit with concern, her voice softening.
"No, it’s not that..." Bener shifted uncomfortably, rubbing the back of his neck. "It’s just... it’s better if you come along." His eyes met hers, uncertain, almost pleading.
Lara studied him for a moment, unease flickering across her face. Worry for Asael tightened in her chest, and without another word, she fell into step beside Bener.
"We can go together," Prince Alaric interjected smoothly, his voice low and composed. "It’s getting late, and I was heading back myself." Without waiting for a reply, he turned and began walking toward the mayor’s mansion, his presence commanding even in silence.
Lara blinked, momentarily surprised. She had almost forgotten the prince was staying at the mayor’s residence. As they neared the grand stone mansion, the guards standing watch outside dipped into respectful bows, their heads lowering with unwavering deference.
Lara’s eyebrows lifted slightly. The people of this era are really loyal... they bow so easily as if it’s second nature. The Royals are lucky to get this level of respect. She glanced at Alaric out of the corner of her eye. His expression remained unreadable, his gaze fixed ahead.
Bener led her through the grand staircase, then through the dimly lit hallway, their footsteps echoing against polished marble floors. The mansion’s northern wing stretched into shadows, the flickering torchlight casting elongated silhouettes across the stone walls. Lara’s pulse quickened as they neared the room at the very end. She had a feeling she was being taken to the mayor’s study.