The next day, Lucien's men report to Lucien about how Gaius' movement lately is suspicious
Then Lucien tells his butler to get his horse ready he wants to pay a short visit to the Vale mansion
When Lucien arrived just after dawn, the grand hall of House Vale was already stirring. Tapestries of blood-red and gold lined the walls, and a frozen fountain of sculpted lilies, perpetually iced by a minor frost spell, stood in the center. Lady Sephrina emerged from a side corridor, her pale blue gown whispering against the marble floor.
"Lord Lucien!" she breathed, eyes bright. "I—" She took a step forward, arching her brows in pleasure. "You honor me."
Lucien halted ten paces away, silent. Sephrina's smile faltered. She leaned forward, voice hushed, "I trust your visit has something to do with—"
He cut her off. "I am not here for you, Sephrina." His tone was flat, with the slightest edge to it. Her lips twitched in confusion and disappointment.
