Valerie It took several more minutes of thinking before I finally left the bathroom. My entire being felt chilly as I returned back towards the hall. “You were gone a while,” Alistair commented as I sat down, “Is something wrong?” “Something about the food here perhaps,” I said, barely keeping the acidity in my voice to dismiss him. It took a millisecond after to regret my harshness. He was just worried for me. I turned to offer a gentle apologetic smile his way. To my relief however, Alistair wasn't offended at all. As I kept on eating my gaze flew to the empty seat beside Alyn. It was, without a doubt, where Tristan was supposed to be. The luncheon was nearing its end and I had no idea where to start looking for him. Even then, it would be impossible for me to approach him wit

