Kael's fork hovered in the air for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he processed the maid's words. But then he paused, a flicker of recognition crossing his face. "Thalira?" he repeated, setting the fork down with a soft clink. "Hmm... send her in. I'll meet her in my office."He pushed back from the table, the chair scraping lightly against the floor. "I'll be back," he said to Morvienne, his voice even but firm. Morvienne looked up, curiosity in her eyes, but nodded without a word, picking up her spoon to continue with the last of her pudding. Kael strode out of the dining room, his steps measured and quick as he headed to his office. When he got there, the door was ajar, and inside stood a young woman—tall and striking, with wild auburn hair tied back in a loose braid, her green eyes, thoughtful and self-assured. She wore travel-worn clothes: a fitted leather jacket over a simple tunic. She paced a little, then stopped when he entered, her face lighting up with a smile. "Kael!"
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