Chapter 44: Of Wolves Beneath Noble Skies
The courtyard stretched wide and pale beneath the now afternoon light, its stone floor still holding the faint warmth of the sun. Servants passed now and again in quiet haste, their movements careful and respectful as they attended to their duties within the palace grounds.
Yet two men walked through the open space with a purpose entirely different from those around them.
Lord Thorncrest strode forward with the relaxed confidence of a man accustomed to every place bending to his presence.
Beside him walked Lord Hawthorne, whose attention seemed far less dignified.
The earl looked everywhere at once.
His gaze moved eagerly across the courtyards, the gardens beyond, the low hedges, the outer walls, and every open path that might possibly lead somewhere wide enough to run.
"Surely there must be a suitable place somewhere within these grounds," Hawthorne muttered, scanning the distance with growing anticipation.
