Lucas bowed his head politely in greeting. "Lord Rhaegar. Good to see you today."
Rhaegar said nothing, merely regarding the guest with a quiet stare.
Lucas turned toward Caelith once more, a soft sigh escaping his lips. "I'll take my leave first."
Then he walked out of the courtyard, quietly closing the gate behind him.
Silence settled over the courtyard, heavy with tension.
Rhaegar stepped forward slowly, one measured step after another, until he stopped directly before Caelith.
He looked at her without speaking. For some reason, Caelith suddenly felt her heart grow uneasy.
"Rhaegar, he—"
"What was he helping you with?"
Caelith froze briefly. Then, as though suddenly understanding something, she gave him a warm smile.
"The embroidery house. I needed his advice."
Rhaegar's gaze remained fixed steadily upon her. "The embroidery house?"
