Althea didn't sleep.
She sat in the chair until her back ached, staring at the same spot on the floor like it might suddenly explain everything. Lucian didn't pressure her. He didn't hover. He just leaned against the wall for a while, then sat on the edge of the bed like he'd done this kind of waiting a thousand times.
When the first light of morning hit the window, Althea finally stood.
"I have to send word," she said, voice rough. "I have people. I can't vanish without—"
"You can," Lucian said. "But I get it."
She shot him a look. "Don't start."
"I'm not." He rolled his shoulders like he was loosening old joints. "You're an Earl. You don't disappear and hope the city figures it out."
Althea hesitated. "You're coming with me."
Lucian nodded. "Obviously."
She narrowed her eyes. "And no… walking."
Lucian's mouth twitched. "Fine. We walk."
