Cassian's pale, flawless face instantly lost whatever color it possessed.
"Y-Your Grace!" Cassian stammered, his icy-blue eyes widening in sheer panic, finally breaking his stare to look at Leonidas. "I... I cannot! My training schedule is incredibly rigorous! I have three hours of sword katas, followed by four hours of meditative prayer! I cannot simply... escort someone!"
"Nonsense!" Leonidas waved his hand dismissively. "Consider this a test of your holy patience. The Lady Seraphina wishes to tour the outer courtyards and perhaps visit the armory. You will guide her. You will protect her. And you will try not to bore her to death. That is an order from your Archduke, Little Squire."
Cassian swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing against his starched collar. He looked trapped. He slowly turned his head, his crystalline blue eyes locking onto the tiny, dark-haired girl sitting at the wrought-iron table.
Seraphina was looking right back at him.
