Aleksander swept a hand through his hair, ensuring the dark strands were neatly slicked back. His occasional glances toward the doors of the little palace betrayed a restlessness. The suggestion was simple—escape the chaos within through horse riding.

Clad in his customary black kefta, he held the reins of two horses in his right hand, while his left rested casually by his side, ready to lead them both into the quiet refuge beyond the palace walls.