Capitano (Thrain)

Capitano remained within the Zapolyarny Palace, awaiting the arrival of a guest who was to deliver a secret letter from the Commander. Time crept steadily toward late evening, and the cold grew ever harsher, yet he waited with unwavering patience.

Meanwhile, the young lady made her way through the depths of the palace, doing her utmost not to draw the attention of guards or passing guests. Time and again she silently scolded herself, fearing that someone might notice her haste and suspect she was involved in something she ought not to be. Yet despite her status as a lady-in-waiting, her life was devoted not only to serving Her Majesty and carrying out the Tsaritsa's wishes, but also to taking part in certain affairs of state—matters of which the Tsaritsa herself was well aware.

At last, she spotted him in the distance: a towering, broad-shouldered man clad in dark garments trimmed with fur, his imposing figure half-concealed by the shadows. Letting out a quiet sigh of relief, the young lady hurried toward him, already slipping the folded letter from the pocket of her cloak. Breathless and visibly anxious, she offered him a slight curtsy before pressing the letter into his hand. She had barely turned to leave when he reached out, gently stopping her.

— My lady, do not rush so—you'll catch cold in this weather. —The man held her gaze for a moment, noticing her uneven breathing. — Or was someone pursuing you?