Rafael covered Annalise's hand with his own to help calm her nervousness. "It will be fine. The palace can be scary when you are not used to it, but I will protect you. You'll be surrounded by people who wish to make you feel at home."
Annalise smiled, wanting to show Rafael that she was fine. The people she was going to meet were his friends. She had to think about their reaction to her coming from the border. They might have sent an invitation to join them for a gathering, but there were things left to see like if they wouldn't be tense around her.
"If it will help make you less nervous, we will only be sitting around talking, enjoying what food is prepared, get a little tour around the palace and then return home. I'm certain you won't be in a rush to return home," said Rafael.
