Aaran ignored the shocked crowd and walked straight to the infirmary. He would deal with the chaos later. Right now, there was someone he needed to apologize to.
"You did well, Your Highness."
Analeis greeted Aaran as soon as he stepped out of the hall. He gave her a small nod before his eyes landed on the axe strapped to her back.
"Just being careful," Analeis shrugged. "You never know."
"I feel safer already," Aaran said with a smirk. "I assume you've already told Mother about the duel."
"Just as you asked."
Aaran nodded. Analeis's loyalty to his mother, Amara, was still strong, but he could see that his own influence over her was growing.
Without another word, Aaran pulled out a pack of cigarettes and tossed them to Analeis.
"I want some time alone," he said. "Find a quiet place and keep yourself entertained."
To his surprise, Analeis crushed the pack in her hand and threw it away. In all nineteen of his lives, this was the first time she had ever refused.
