"Of course they do," she muttered under her breath.
They shared a quiet smile then. It wasn't much. But it was the first time in days Liora had smiled without flinching.
Meanwhile....
From across the courtyard, Lucien stood at the colonnade, hidden by a marble pillar. His sharp gaze fixed on the figure of Elias through the open infirmary window.
He had only meant to pass through. Yet the image of Liora's laughter genuine and unguarded, had made him stop in his tracks.
She never looked like that around him.
Not that it mattered.
Still…
Lucien folded his arms, his expression unreadable. Rowan joined him a breath later, silent for a time.
"You know, it's harmless," Rowan said finally. "The boy's young, a medic, not from nobility. You're not the only one people can talk to."
Lucien didn't respond. His jaw was tight.
"Perhaps she just needed someone who isn't always accusing her of treason," Rowan added dryly.
Lucien gave him a sidelong glare. "Are you quite done?"
