Rasmus stayed by Astrea's side until she fell asleep with a peaceful expression. He looked out the window, and he didn't realize it was nighttime already. He then looked at the empty bottle of wine on the bedside table and took it with him.
After Rasmus left Astrea's room, he walked the quiet and empty hallway, staring out the windows at the snow. The sound of his cane echoed throughout the hallway, and then Lenin came out of the corner when she heard it. They both stared at each other with stoic expressions for a while until Rasmus stood in front of her.
"How is Her Holiness, Count?" Lenin asked as she looked at the door to Astrea's room.
"She's living, that's what matters," Rasmus answered as he leaned his shoulder against the wall to help him stand easily.
