Espel held on to Lancet's wrist until the doors of the reception hall closed behind the last of the others.
The corridor outside had already begun to empty. Guards escorted Vernon, Valeria, Nereus and Renan toward different exits while servants moved past carrying documents from the meeting. Farther down, Lancet saw Ordenance speaking with one of King Romsgard's men.
Espel waited until none of them were looking. "Come with me."
Lancet glanced down at her hand. "Of course, Lady Fyrebloom."
She released him and walked toward one of the side corridors. Lancet followed and they stopped beneath a narrow arched window where sunlight fell across the stone floor in a long strip.
It was not completely private, but anyone approaching from either side would be visible long before they could hear anything.
Espel folded her arms and Lancet stood opposite her, leaning against the wall. "So," he said. "This is the conversation you wanted to have."
