The door behind Lucian creaked open. He froze instantly.
For one horrifying second, his mind produced several possibilities.
Assassin... Guard patrol... Sebastian somehow appearing out of thin air like military trauma.
Then
"You are terrible at this."
Lucian closed his eyes briefly.
Of course.
Alistair leaned casually against the doorway leading into the outer courtyard, looking painfully entertained by the entire situation.
Lucian still stood half-hidden near the palace wall in dark clothes with a lantern hanging from one hand.
Very subtle.
Very inconspicuous... Lucian opened one eye slowly.
"I thought you left."
"I did."
"Then why are you back?"
Alistair shrugged.
"You looked suspicious."
"That is not legally a reason."
"You climbed a wall."
"That's unrelated."
Alistair stared at him flatly.
Lucian sighed dramatically.
"You're ruining crime for me."
"You were already ruining it yourself."
Rude.
Deeply rude.
