A young man clad in fitted martial attire entered swiftly—it was one of Rhaegar's most trusted retainers. He moved straight to his lord's side and whispered a few urgent words into his ear.
Rhaegar's expression shifted.
He cast a glance toward Caelith, pausing for the briefest moment in silence.
"I have urgent business to attend to," he said at last. "Return first. I will come to you later."
Without waiting for a reply, he turned and strode out.
As he passed Lucas, his steps slowed for a heartbeat.
"The words you spoke tonight, Lord Ostenton—I shall remember them. Trust me."
Then he was gone.
The door closed like a final blow of danger.
Silence settled once more over the private chamber.
Caelith remained standing, her gaze fixed upon the door. And in that quiet instant, something within her felt… hollow, as though a space had been carved out and left unfilled.
Lucas returned to his seat, his eyes resting on her.
