Lucas did not linger long at the Alden estate.
Although his mother wanted him to stay for the night and his father wanted to catch up properly, he knew the clock was already ticking. The war tide was rising, and every hour lost would be paid for in blood later.
After a few hours of warm conversation, reassurance, and reluctant farewells, he stood again in the courtyard. Lady Mariana clung to his sleeve for a moment longer before letting go, and Elder Gideon placed a firm hand on his shoulder, silently urging him to return safely. Lucas bowed his head, promising them both that he would.
Then he stepped back into the carriage that had brought him and returned to the palace.
The moment he arrived, the atmosphere felt different. Soldiers were running drills in the outer yards. Messengers hurried across the corridors. Formation masters argued in hushed voices over glowing arrays. A storm was already brewing here.
Lucas went straight to his wing of the palace.
