As the dusk settled in the next day, Iyana found herself at the entrance of the Ashstone Manor. The servants greeted her as usual, like a regular guest, not even surprised to see her anymore at odd times.
"Good evening, my lady," came Clyde's voice, flashing her an enthusiastic smile. "What brings you by so late? A scheduled date night with My Lord, perhaps?"
His teasing glint didn't go unnoticed by her as she rolled her eyes. "No. Just dropping by to check if His Serene Grace got himself kidnapped for the third time or not."
Clyde chuckled. "No worries. He didn't get kidnapped. Howeverrrrr," he paused a bit for humorous exaggeration, "he did get swallowed up by the library."
"What, did he stumble upon an irresistible novel series he can't put down?" Iyana arched an eyebrow.
