Julian awoke at dawn, the gray light creeping through the window, cutting through the last shreds of uneasy sleep. He lay there a moment, eyes half-open, feeling the thin blanket cling to him with the chill of the morning.
He had no illusions of comfort today.
A servant's rap at the door snapped him fully awake.
"Julian."
The voice on the other side was polite, but only just.
"Lady Isabella requires your presence," the messenger said. "Immediately."
Julian pushed himself upright, limbs still heavy from yesterday's exhaustion, and dressed with quick, efficient movements. A plain tunic, trousers, no jewelry — just like a proper servant. Just as they preferred.
But inside, the coil of tension wound tighter.
Isabella.
He had not seen her yesterday as he went straight to his room after meeting with Evelyn. Today, he'd have to report to her... and give her some 'services' possibly.
