Chapter 256: The Second Competition
Duke Valenridge stayed for a while longer after Lyria fell asleep.
The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting warm shadows across the walls. The Princess's breathing had evened out, slow and steady. The tears had dried on her cheeks, leaving faint trails that caught the firelight.
He watched her for a long moment.
Then, quietly, the same way he had come in, he rose and moved toward the window. His footsteps were silent against the floorboards. His movements were fluid, and he slipped through the opening and disappeared into the night.
---
The corridor outside his chambers was empty when he arrived.
Tommy stood near the door, his arms crossed, his foot tapping impatiently against the stone floor. The moment he saw the Duke, his shoulders sagged with relief.
"Your Grace," he said, exhaling. "Finally, you decide to grace us with your presence."
Duke Valenridge chuckled.
"I'm not sure I like you so much, Tommy."
