The night outside the tent was alive with sound.
Campfires crackled, laughter rose and fell from scattered groups of soldiers, and the distant clang of steel against steel echoed from the training grounds. Lanterns swung gently in the wind, casting shifting shadows over the packed earth.
Luca stepped out, letting the cooler air wash over him. His eyes swept over the bustling camp. Well… it is a war, right? The nights are sleepless as well, he thought, slipping into a quieter path between rows of supply crates.
Eventually, he found a secluded corner behind a stack of barrels, shielded from most wandering eyes. Kneeling there, he reached into his cloak pocket and drew out a leather-bound book stamped with twin saber emblems. His fingers lingered on the cover for a moment.
I'll definitely take that favor from you… Your Highness, he thought, flipping it open.
