Damian strode through a corridor he had never had much reason to visit, mostly because this section of the palace housed the private quarters of the current head of his Royal Guard. The guards stationed outside immediately recognized his presence and straightened in surprise.
"Sire..." they called together, but Damian casually waved them off as he approached.
"Leave... You will be recalled to your post soon enough."
The guards bowed quickly and withdrew without asking questions, disappearing down the corridor until Damian was left alone before the door.
He reached for the handle and gently pushed it open. The curtains inside were completely closed, leaving the room unnaturally dark, but Damian's eyes adjusted instantly. Lucy was sitting comfortably on a sofa with a sheer robe loosely covering her body, her legs crossed as she sipped wine. She had clearly been waiting for him, though the surprise on her face suggested she had not expected him to actually come.
