Lillian carefully set down the parchment, her heart sinking as she absorbed the news. Lewis had left Velaris for some urgent business, dashing her hopes of seeing him today. She had been looking forward to their meeting, anticipating the warmth of his company amidst the turmoil that surrounded them after Qasima's return.
Determined not to dwell on her disappointment, Lillian decided to seek out her father, King Esmond. However, her father was engrossed in an important meeting with the elders, representatives from both the vampire and werewolf factions.
A valet, standing at attention by the chamber doors, stepped forward. "I'll send a servant to inform the princess once the King is free," he said in a humble tone.
