Lucien had been walking through the palace for nearly half an hour before he admitted to himself that he was stalling. He checked the training grounds first. Aveloria was not there. He went to the council chamber. Empty. He passed by the war room. Galen was inside with three captains, but Aveloria was not with them. Finally, he turned toward her study. Two guards stood outside the carved oak doors. They bowed when they saw him.
"Is she inside?" Lucien asked.
One of them shook his head. "No, my lord. Her Highness retired to her chambers earlier."
Lucien gave a short nod. "Thank you."
He walked away before they could say anything else. He had rehearsed what he wanted to say many times in his head. Each time, it had sounded clear and reasonable. Now that he was closer to her, the words felt heavier.
