"I don't think anyone believes you are that fragile, My Lady. We have all seen your spirit."
"You certainly act like it."
"I didn't say that."
"You didn't have to," she countered, a faint, amused smirk touching the corner of her lips. "Your hand hasn't left the hilt of your sword since dawn."
The captain lowered his head slightly, acknowledging the hit with a faint nod.
"Forgive me if my watchfulness causes you distress."
Lin Wan's smirk faded into a warm, gentle smile.
"I'm not angry with you, Ronan. Not at all." She looked out toward the quiet corridor, where two more guards stood as rigid as statues against the stone walls. "I just need you to tell everyone to take a deep breath and relax a little. The tension in this wing is thick enough to cut with a blade."
Ronan nodded dutifully.
"I will pass your words along to the guard rotation. Though I make no promises they will listen."
"Good enough."
He bowed politely and turned to continue his patrol down the quiet hallway.
