Commander Kevin instinctively stood up, wanting to approach Eve. But Rolando immediately stopped him.
"Commander, let's wait. We don't want to scare them away," he said, gripping Kevin's elbow.
Kevin returned to his seat, his gaze still fixed on Eve.
"She must be Princess Esmeralda's daughter. Without a doubt!" Kevin uttered with certainty.
Rolando bobbed his head.
Meanwhile, Alaric and Eve began eating their meal. They got hungry from climbing the valley peak earlier.
"Are we not inviting the others to join us?" Eve asked Alaric.
"They might be preparing for our journey tomorrow. You don't have to worry about them. They can take care of themselves," Alaric responded, putting food on her plate.
"Can we follow you to the capital?" Eve blurted out.
"No. It's dangerous. You and Gideon must stay here," Alaric firmly said. "Just wait for us."
Eve fell silent. She couldn't hide her uneasiness about this mission.
