– I should have known it would be like this. Tina quietly left the hall after having dinner with Haelena. The hum of voices and the sounds of silverware on dishes gradually died away behind the massive doors, and the courtyard seemed unusually empty, almost deserted. Only the soft creak of her boots on the stone and the light rustle of her dress, as always blue and red, broke the silence. The night sky was heavy, as if heralding a storm. But now there is only the freshness and coolness that enveloped the courtyard of the Red Castle, where even in the midst of the war there was its own, almost shaky, security. She took a deep breath, feeling the tension from the endless intrigues and rumors weaken with every step. The war that was inexorably burning the city around seemed to be somewhere far away — on the streets and in the corridors of power, but not here, in this silent courtyard. Tina was heading towards the library—towards Otto. It was he who was one of the few who saw in her not only a hostage and a maid of honor, but a person with thoughts and feelings. Taking advantage of the evening to get advice and support from him seemed like a vital necessity right now. She imagined how in the library, among the dusty folios and candles, it would be easier to find support, even if only temporarily. Looking down at her feet, trying not to dirty the hem, Tina allowed herself for a moment to forget about the masks and roles that she had to wear every day.