Lady Saya began setting up medical camps in the palace's training grounds as I stepped outside alongside Miss Sera and Miss Kaelyn.
"Alve, stay here while we gather the forces," Miss Sera said, before heading off with Miss Kaelyn into the misty palace corridors.
Left behind, I stood in silence at the edge of the palace grounds, staring into the thickening fog that blanketed the city like a slow, creeping tide.
That's when Prince Edward found me.
"Sir Alve," he said, his tone curious, "what's wrong?"
I shook my head slowly. "Just thinking... wondering if we'll make it."
He raised an eyebrow. "That's not like you. I always thought you were the type to give your all and not worry about the outcome."
I gave a small, dry chuckle. "Do you think I've changed? Maybe I still keep the same expressionless face—but lately, I've started caring about things I never used to."
"That's not a bad thing," Edward said, shrugging. "It's called growing up."
"Fair enough," I said, before tilting my head. "But what about you? Shouldn't you be evacuating by now?"
"I'll leave later with Father and the royal family. Right now, the priority is the civilians. I've stayed behind to check on something." He looked around briefly. "Have you seen the Duke anywhere?"
"You mean Duke Kurtis?"
He nodded. "Yeah. You might've noticed him earlier in the meeting with father."
That's when I realized something.
"No, he wasn't there," I said. "In fact... I didn't see any unfamiliar faces. Just the usual nobles, Lady Saya, the royal palace healers, a few knights, and then us."
Prince Edward's face turned serious.
"Odd. Why wouldn't he show up in an emergency like this? And Father didn't mention him either... Maybe he didn't expect him to?"
"Could he still be at his mansion?" Edward asked.
"Possibly," I replied. "If he couldn't make it, I'll check in on him if I get the chance."
"Good. That might be for the best," Edward said, already preparing to leave. "I've got other things to look into as well. See you later, Sir Alve."
He started to walk away but stopped after a few steps, turning back.
"Oh—and Sir Alve," he added with a half-smile, "maybe take a sword with you next time. If you're planning to go outside, it's better to be safe."
I blinked, then chuckled.
"Right... even if I'm not fighting, I should at least look like I'm ready."
He gave a small nod before heading inside the palace.