Leaning forward, he whispered to the parchment as if it might answer: "You think you're hunting me. But I've already set the hounds at my side."
He rose and paced slowly across the room, the faint rustle of his robes trailing after him. His thoughts turned first to Alaric. The Crown Prince's glare, so rigid and cold, had wavered when he saw the note. For all his disdain, duty had shackled him tighter than pride ever could. Lucian chuckled, shaking his head. "So predictable. So noble. You'd die for this kingdom, wouldn't you, Prince? Perhaps one day, you'll realize you're already dying for me."
