The next day, I got up a bit earlier than usual — not by choice, but because of a knock.
Sharp. Annoying.
"Come in," I said weakly, still half-asleep.
A guard stepped inside. "The King requests your audience. In five hours."
Then he turned and left like he hadn't just ruined what was left of my morning.
I groaned and let my head fall back against the pillow. "Seriously? He couldn't wait four more hours to send someone?"
What kind of…. ugh.
I rubbed my eyes, blinked at the ceiling, and tried to will myself back to sleep.
Didn't work.
The silence stretched and twisted in that irritating way that made it impossible to settle.
So I got up, threw on something simple, and decided to stroll a bit just to pass time.
Big mistake.
Because as soon as I turned the corner near the east corridor, I bumped into someone.
Lucas.
Of course.
I hadn't seen him in forever. Not since…
My eyes narrowed slightly.
What a way for my mood to be ruined so early in the morning.
