Luca felt like he shouldn't know.
If he ever found out exactly how much it cost to maintain a place like the Imperial Palace, there was a very real probability that he wouldn't make it to tomorrow.
Some truths were simply better left undiscovered.
Unfortunately, that thought didn't last long.
Because the moment the hovercraft finally came to a stop and the door slid open, reality moved forward without giving him time to dwell on the matter.
Xavier stepped out first.
The hidden Crown Prince descended with his usual composed ease, then walked toward the other door and lifted a gloved hand in a silent invitation. His gesture was simple and natural, but it carried the quiet assurance of someone who had done all this countless times before, even if it couldn't be further from the truth.
Luca took the offered hand and stepped down from the hovercraft.
And then he froze.
Standing directly ahead of them was Imperial Butler Henry.
