You Are Cordially Invited

Laina had almost forgotten all about the nobles until she emerged from the maze. She could see their stares and disapproving looks from where she stood. She took in a deep breath and walked towards them with Colette in her arms. Titan trailed alongside them, cautiously keeping an eye on Colette. 

Margaret, who had been anxiously waiting for them, was relieved to see them emerge from the maze. She ran up to meet with them. 

"Thank goodness you found her. Do you have any idea how worried we were, Colette?" 

The young girl still had tears in her eyes as she apologized, "I'm so so sowee… I… I…"

Margaret consoled her as Laina handed Colette over to her so that she could address the nobles. 

"Guards, stand down, they can leave now," Laina instructed. 

As per her orders, the royal guards lowered their weapons and stood to the side. But the nobles were livid. They felt as if they were entitled to an apology since Laina had wrongly accused them.