[center][img]https://i.postimg.cc/tgbbhnFP/Elara.webp[/img][/center][Sub]Interactions: Octavia,Sunni-[@The Savant][/sub][hr]
[indent]Elara’s heart clenched as Octavia’s voice trembled with her fears and doubts. She watched the princess’s eyes stare into space as if waiting to be swallowed whole. But by what the handmaiden couldn’t say. 

Was it guilt? 

[color=#808080]“[/color][color=#a464b0]The courts are not here, Elara,[/color][color=#808080]” [/color] Octavia said quickly, almost defensively, her voice a fragile shield against her own insecurities.

Elara nodded, her eyes reflecting the depth of understanding she felt for Octavia’s unspoken fears.  [color=#4169e1]“I know,”[/color] she replied softly.[color=#4169e1] “But even here, in Dawnhaven, appearances matter. The prince may not be the court, but he is still your husband, and his opinion of you is important.”[/color]

She paused, her mind carefully selecting the right words. [color=#4169e1] “I understand your fear, truly I do. But hiding this from him might only make things worse. Secrets have a way of coming to light, often at the worst possible times.”[/color]

Elara reached out and squeezed Octavia’s hand gently, feeling the coolness of her skin and the slight tremor in her hands. [color=#4169e1]“I won’t tell him, Octavia. I think he needs to hear the truth from you, not from anyone else.”[/color] [i]Especially [/i]not from anyone else. And sooner rather than later. 

[color=#a93226]“[/color][color=#a93226]Flynn! Octavia! I don’t know if any of you are home but I am going to sleep on the couch or something! I don’t want to be in the inn tonight.”[/color]

Elara’s eyes widened in surprise, her grip on Octavia’s hand tightening momentarily. The sudden tension in her muscles mirrored the unexpected turn in their conversation. She could hear Sunni moving through the house, the clinking of dishes being picked up and put away reaching her ears. Somehow, despite the mundane sound, the air felt thicker with each clink that reached her ears. 

Why was he here? [i]Right [/i]now? 

[color=#a93226]“Flynn!? Octavia!?” [/color]

Elara’s mind raced, a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The mere idea of facing the man now felt overwhelming, almost unbearable. She took a deep breath, the air filling her lungs with a calming resolve, and stood up, her heart pounding. 

She could not let [i]this[/i], whatever it was, interfere with her duty to Octavia.

[color=#4169e1]“I think I should take my leave now, Your Highness,” [/color]Elara finally said, bowing deeply. [color=#4169e1]“There’s something I meant to speak to Su- Mr.Emberani regarding the task you gave to me.” [/color]Her voice wavered slightly, but she steadied herself, determined to maintain her composure. 

With that, she quickly exited the room, her back pressing against the closed door for a moment as she gathered her thoughts. The cool wood against her skin was a brief comfort before she pushed off and began to move, her feet carrying her toward the inevitable confrontation.

As Elara walked, her mind continued to churn with agitated thoughts, each one more frantic than the last. She rehearsed what she would say, how she would address the task and the tension that lay between her and Sunni. Turning a corner, all these thoughts vanished in an instant as she collided with something solid.

She stumbled back, her heart leaping into her throat. Looking up, she found herself face-to-face with the very man she’d been preparing herself to speak to. 

[color=#4169e1]“Mr. Emberani…”[/color] Elara stammered, her cheeks flushing with a sudden rush of embarrassment. The surprise of the encounter left her momentarily speechless, her mind scrambling to regain its footing. She couldn’t quite process his reaction before her mouth blurted out, [color=#4169e1]“You can knit, can’t you?”[/color]

She was positively mortified. But…at least she’d gotten it out. 

[color=#4169e1]“The princess requires your…services. People like you…who can knit. For the winter preparations.” [/color][/indent]