They froze. Kaleb's forced casualness evaporated instantly, replaced by wide-eyed panic. Mikaela felt her blood run cold but forced her muscles to relax, turning slowly to face the guard. She managed a tight, strained smile—a "yellow smile," barely masking her apprehension.
"Is there... a problem, Officer?" she asked, her voice remarkably steady despite the pounding in her chest.
The guard with the scar didn't answer immediately, his sharp eyes scrutinizing her face, recognition flickering within them. Two more Royal Guards approached, flanking the first, their expressions hard and professional.
"State your names and business," one of the newcomers demanded, his gaze sweeping over Mikaela, Kaleb, and finally resting suspiciously on Leonard's unconscious form. "And who's he? Looks like he's seen better days."
