Lucian's quill paused mid-spin. His lips curved into a slow, wicked smile.
"Goodness, General. You speak as though you suspect foul play."
Sebathine's stare was stony.
"Reniel died not long after your arrival. The Prince abandons his duties after meeting you. It raises questions."
Lucian let out a laugh that echoed far too brightly in the quiet library.
"Oh, what a delicious scandal. Do you mean to say I drove poor Reniel to his tragic leap, and then bewitched the Crown Prince into solitude? What a résumé! I must be promoted immediately."
Sebathine didn't move, didn't flinch. He was a wall.
Lucian leaned back, folding his hands to behind his head like a smug cat.
"Or perhaps, dear General, the Prince was simply… dazzled. Imagine it—one glimpse of my devastating beauty, and his royal knees buckled. His diary is now filled with sighs instead of state decrees."
A muscle jumped in Sebathine's jaw.
"You jest over a death."
