The moment Lucas passed him in the archway and disappeared into the corridor, the king stepped fully into the courtyard only long enough for his gaze to meet Valen's. There was no accusation spoken or any raised voice.
There was only that look, hurt sharpened into pride and it sharpened into somethingclose to jealousy.
Then he turned and walked away, Valen stood frozen for half a heartbeat longer before instinct overruled dignity.
She ran.
"Kaelvryn."
She dared not use his name outside private spaces, and certainly not in the open corridors of the palace, yet it slipped from her lips, but he didn't slow down.
"Kaelvryn," she repeated, faster now as she caught up with him.
He stopped abruptly, causing her to nearly collide with his back. When he turned, the torchlight along the corridor carved sharp lines across his face.
"You should not be chasing me through corridors," he said coolly. "It invites gossip."
