The corridor outside the palace was quiet except for the soft echo of footsteps. Liyi Yi hurried after Alina, her breath quickening as they rounded the last corner toward the study. The marble walls shimmered faintly in the lamplight, polished to a sheen that made her all too aware of her own scuffed boots.
At the threshold, she slowed, lowering her voice. "Lady Alina," she whispered, "why did the City Lord call for me?"
Alina shook her head, blonde strands brushing her cheek. "I don't know. He only said it was important."
That answer didn't help the knot in Liyi Yi's stomach. She had met Luciel only once before—from a distance, when he'd stood on the wall during the siege. Even then, the quiet authority around him was unmistakable. The thought of being summoned directly by him made her pulse quicken.
Alina rapped lightly on the door. A calm voice answered from within, and she pushed it open.
