[Nick's POV — Servant's Quarters—Same Time]
I was trembling, my hands shaking as I remembered him—Lord Leif—lying on the floor, pale, fragile, a shadow of the indomitable man who had never shown weakness. The image haunted me, claws of fear gripping my chest.
Then—
"Nick!"
A maid came running toward me, eyes wide with urgency. "Lord Leif… he's awake!"
My heart nearly stopped. "He… he's awake?" I whispered, disbelief and hope colliding in a storm inside me. I started to run, but a sharp voice froze me in place.
"Nick…"
I turned. Lord Eryndor's gaze pinned me, steady and cold, but there was an edge of concern beneath it. "Not now," he said firmly. "The Grand Duke is with him. Until then… send word to the chef. Prepare something light he can digest."
I swallowed hard, nodding, my throat tight. I turned away, and only in the quiet of the hallway did the relief hit me. Tears slipped down my cheeks, unbidden. I clutched my chest.
"Thank God…" I whispered. "Thank God…"
