Arik caught Cassian half an hour later near the eastern terrace.
The gathering had begun spilling into the gardens as the evening cooled, servants opening the tall glass doors and carrying drinks beneath the lanterns lining the stone paths. Music drifted from the salon behind them, softened by distance and conversation.
Cassian had taken advantage of it to retreat.
He stood at the balustrade overlooking the lower gardens, one hand around a glass he had barely touched. His dark formal coat was impeccably cut, silver showing at his temples beneath the terrace lamps, yet something about the way he held himself made it obvious that he would rather be anywhere else.
"You are hiding."
Cassian glanced sideways.
"I am retired."
"That has become your answer to everything."
"It is an excellent answer."
Arik stopped beside him and rested his forearms against the stone railing.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Arik said, "You have been avoiding me."
