[Music Recommendation: Secession Studios - Angels & Demons]
"No. I'll be back," Ivan replied curtly, offering no further explanation before striding out of the dining room in long, purposeful steps.
He didn't need to ask for directions to the powder room; his sharp ears had already caught the details earlier when Eve and Cece had asked about it. But as he stepped into the corridor, his eyes immediately caught sight of a man with jet-black hair and brown eyes….someone he instantly recognised as Valen's ever-present shadow.
The man stepped closer to Ivan and bowed his head. "Your Highness, my name is Jareld, a royal knight of Dartmouth. Her Majesty has requested an audience with you, and I was sent to deliver her message."
Ivan's eyes narrowed at the man, making Jareld shift uneasily under the prince's sharp, scrutinising gaze. Even so, he held his ground, knowing Ivan wouldn't strike him—not when he was merely a messenger.
