"You should not leave your windows open, Princess," a calm voice interrupted her thoughts. "We wouldn't want someone breaking in, would we?"
Lyra froze, her heart leaping in her chest. Slowly, she turned around, her eyes locking onto the figure standing by the window. There, leaning casually against the frame, stood a man, his grey eyes piercing into hers with an intensity that made her breath catch. She felt her legs weaken as he took a step forward.
His arms were crossed over his chest, his coat neatly draped over her dresser. He wore only a loose white shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, with two of the buttons undone.
"W-what are you doing here?" Lyra managed to stammer, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. Her fists clenched tightly at her sides.
"I thought you wouldn't leave the feast until midnight. It seems you were having quite the evening. An interesting company, wasn't it, Princess?" His gaze locked onto hers, unwavering and piercing.
