As Rowan slipped out to deliver the orders, Lucien turned to the window.
Below, Liora walked slowly through the inner garden with a tray in her hands, likely delivering herbal remedies to one of the estate's workers. The hem of her dress caught on a rose branch, and instead of hurrying, she paused, carefully freeing the cloth without tearing it.
halls of Dreven Keep, in thefar west of the capital, where sea winds carried the scent of iron and salt, Lord Carriven sat before a long, narrow table. On it were two letters: one with the king's crest, unopened. The other, torn and re-sealed, marked with Petra's lesser sigil.
"Your silence speaks for itself," said the voice across from him, young, polished, and dangerously confident. The man wore Petra's dark robes but spoke the kingdom's tongue with ease. "Prince Lucien will not be easy to move, but the queen dowager has begun her push. That is leverage."
