Chapter 22

“Ethan, I’m so nervous.”

Only when she called him did Ethan look at her and smile awkwardly.

“There is nothing to be nervous about. We will stay only a short while and go back soon.”

“Pardon? But I heard I am the guest of honor today.”

“Anna.”

He withdrew his arm from hers and stepped around to stand before her.

“It is true the banquet is being held for the one who received the Medal of Merit, but this is a banquet for nobles. The medal is merely a pretext.”

“B-but still.”

“There will be a ceremony in which His Majesty the Emperor commends your merit. Once that is over, you need only return to Herbron.”

“To Herbron? Alone?”

Ethan’s mind had been in turmoil all morning because there had been no word from Adel since she left. He had thought she would be here, but she had not yet…