The next day, Lucien woke up early, as he was used to the strict routine of the palace.
He shifted slightly and glanced at the clock beside his bed.
It was only four in the morning.
He turned over, trying to go back to sleep, but no matter how much he tried, sleep did not come.
After an hour of restlessness, he gave up and got out of bed.
He went to the bathroom, washed his face, and brushed his teeth. When he looked into the mirror, he paused.
His hair was black, but not like before. It had soft curls.
His skin was fair, but it lacked the clear, polished look he once had.
He studied himself for a moment, then stepped out.
As soon as he opened the door to leave his room, the door opposite his opened as well.
He paused, slightly startled.
Lyra stepped out.
She was dressed in a black T-shirt and sports trousers. Her hair was messy, yet it somehow made her look more attractive.
She looked at him in surprise.
It was only five thirty in the morning.
He used to sleep until the afternoon.
Her eyes widened slightly.
"You're awake this early?" she asked, studying his face. "Are you feeling unwell?"
Lucien raised a brow.
"I woke up early, so I decided to take a walk in the garden."
She nodded slowly.
"Fine. But don't stay out too long. You just came out of a coma. You shouldn't strain yourself, or we'll have to take you back to the hospital."
Lucien frowned slightly.
"You don't need to worry about me. Just go your way," he said, forcing a polite smile.
Her expression darkened at his tone, but she said nothing and walked past him toward the gym on the second floor.
Whenever she had time, she worked out.
Lucien went downstairs.
The house was quiet at this hour. Only a few people were moving about in the kitchen.
David hurried toward him the moment he saw him.
"Master, you're awake so early?"
Lucien nodded.
"I wanted to take a walk in the garden."
He glanced at him.
"You can go back to your work. I'll go alone."
David hesitated.
"But Master…"
Lucien looked at him calmly.
David finally nodded, though he still looked uneasy, and stepped back.
Lucien walked out into the garden.
It was filled with flower beds, small trees, and neatly trimmed plants.
He took a deep breath, letting the cool morning air fill his lungs.
The sky was a mix of blue and soft orange as the sun slowly began to rise.
It was peaceful.
He walked slowly, watching the sunrise.
His thoughts drifted again.
Why am I here?
Why am I in this body?
He narrowed his eyes slightly, thinking through different possibilities.
Lost in his thoughts, he did not notice the pair of eyes watching him from a distance.
…
After finishing her workout, Lyra came downstairs.
The living room was empty.
She spotted David walking out from the laundry room.
"Where is he?" she asked.
David understood immediately.
"Master is taking a walk in the garden."
Her brows furrowed.
"He hasn't come back yet? And you let him go alone?"
He had just been discharged, and now he was outside for so long.
Is he trying to get sick again?
David stiffened under her cold gaze.
Before he could explain, Lyra had already walked out.
When she reached the garden, she saw him.
Lucien was walking slowly, his head lowered, clearly lost in thought.
His black hair fell over his face, giving him a quiet, distant look.
From afar, he looked calm, almost mysterious.
Her eyes lingered on him for a moment.
Then she noticed something else.
He was still wearing the same white shirt and trousers from the previous day.
Her brows tightened.
Doesn't he have other clothes?
Lucien had avoided the rest of the wardrobe. The clothes were too bright, too flashy, and uncomfortable for him.
He had tried to change the night before, but when he saw the glittering shirts and strange designs, he had given up.
So he slept in the same clothes.
Lyra walked toward him.
He continued walking, unaware of her presence.
She stopped right behind him.
At that moment, he suddenly turned.
They collided.
Lucien lost his balance slightly.
Lyra reacted immediately and grabbed him, pulling him closer to steady him.
He froze in surprise.
Everything happened too quickly.
He looked at her, still dazed.
She was just as startled.
For a brief second, they stood too close.
She noticed his slightly flushed face, his wide eyes, his parted lips.
Her gaze dropped unconsciously.
She cleared her throat.
Without warning, she let go.
Lucien stumbled slightly before regaining his footing.
He frowned, clearly annoyed.
She could have at least let go properly.
Lyra turned her face away.
"What are you doing here?" she asked coldly.
Lucien blinked.
"Can't you see? I'm walking."
She frowned.
"I mean, why are you still out here? Do you want to end up back in the hospital? Should I just book you a permanent room there?"
Lucien rolled his eyes.
What is wrong with this woman?
"You don't need to worry about me," he said calmly. "I was about to go back inside anyway."
He stepped forward, intending to pass her.
But her voice stopped him.
"Why are you still wearing the same clothes as yesterday? Don't you have anything else?"
She crossed her arms.
"Or are you trying to show everyone that we're so poor you can't even afford proper clothes?"
Lucien turned back, irritation clear on his face.
"What exactly is your problem?" he said. "Do I need your permission for what I wear?"
He took a step closer.
"If I dress properly, you complain. If I repeat clothes, you complain. Is there anything you don't have a problem with?"
He was already dealing with too much.
He had no patience left for her constant remarks.
Lyra stared at him, momentarily speechless.
Before she could respond, he continued.
"For your information, I don't want to wear this all the time either. But it's the only thing in that wardrobe I find acceptable."
His tone was firm.
"Now you have your answer."
She studied him quietly.
His face was lit by the morning sun, his skin glowing softly under the light.
"What about your old clothes?" she asked. "You used to have plenty."
Lucien looked away slightly.
"I don't like them anymore. They're too flashy. I don't feel comfortable in them."
He avoided her gaze.
Lyra noticed the hesitation but chose not to press further.
Instead, she said, "Go get ready. We're going out."
Without waiting for his response, she turned and walked away.
Lucien stood there for a moment, confused.
Then he followed her back inside.