"I came as soon as I got the invitation, Your Grace." Cassian bowed as Lucien approached him in the grand hall.
Lucien's brow creased, his shoulders straightening to emphasize his full height. He hated what he felt; he was never one to feel intimidated by anyone, but at that moment, Cassian intimidated him—not due to wealth or status, for he was way ahead of Cassian in that regard, but because of Elian.
Cassian was exactly what he could never be to Elian... open, honest, kind, and willing to love. Those characteristics rubbed him the wrong way, and the very existence of the king's chief guard infuriated him.
"I did not send an invite, Cassian. I believed your post is irreplaceable to the king; I would never pull you away from duty," Lucien said, trying to figure out how his invitation got to Cassian.
He never sent one, and for very valid reasons.
"I sent our invitation, my love," Rowena spoke from behind, her arms snaking around Lucien's like vines.
Lucien stiffened.
