Morning came quickly, Lucas had already risen well before dawn, his body rested and his mind calm despite the strange air that surrounded the inn. There was something about the stillness of the place in those early hours that helped him steady himself, a pause before the day's weight would begin to settle on his shoulders.
After a short while, he got out of bed and moved through his routine with practiced ease. He washed and dressed, adjusting the folds of his robe with meticulous care. Every layer was secured, and every fold sat where it should. He clipped the emblem the king had given him to the hem of his sash.
He did not want attention that morning. Though he knew it would come.
