"Obviously," Lucius replied dryly, "they don't. But that royal carriage is an easy giveaway."
"You insisted I bring it," Alaric retorted.
"And with good reason," Lucius defended, his tone unbothered.
Alaric exhaled, turning to face the lord, who was still catching his breath. "To what do I owe this… visit, Third Prince?" the man managed, clearly nervous as his eyes darted from Alaric's rare hair color to his unmistakable gaze, both famous and feared throughout the realm.
Alaric's eyes narrowed. "Lucius?" he called mentally, but Lucius remained quiet, leaving Alaric to sigh. He turned to the lord, forcing a more composed tone. "Perhaps we should sit," he suggested.
"Of course, of course—please, Your Grace, this way." The lord gestured with a shaky hand, leading Alaric into the drawing room, where plush cushions and polished wood made a vain attempt at elegance.
