Rowan's expression shifts through a kaleidoscope of confusion, his eyebrows performing an elaborate dance from furrowed to raised to completely disappearing into his hairline. For two excruciatingly long seconds, his brain scrambles like an egg on a hot skillet, desperately rifling through recent memories. The synapses in his exhausted mind finally connect to the hushed conversation in Alaric's study three days prior—the same conversation where Alaric had tugged nervously at his cravat while explaining Carlton's sudden 'amnesia'.
A dawning realization breaks across Rowan's face like the first light of morning—though considerably more panicked. The equation finally balances in his mind: Carlton + Not attempting murder + asking administrative questions = memory loss confirmed.
