Isolde jolted up in alarm her feet nearly loosing their footing, she turned quickly expecting to see a familiar face. Instead, she found Lord Voss standing before her, his hands clasped behind his back as he observed her with an unreadable expression. His presence was as unexpected as it was unwelcome, and she felt her muscles coil instinctively.
"Ah, Lady Isolde," he said, his voice smooth as silk but carrying an undercurrent of something sharper beneath. "How fortunate to find you out here." He bowed slightly, his eyes never leaving her face. Isolde forced herself to breathe evenly, straightening her posture. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing her discomfort.
"Lord Voss," she replied coolly. "I didn't expect to see you here."
"I too was enjoying the gardens, the council is draining I frequently visit after." He stepped closer, and she had to resist the urge to retreat.
