"M-my lord," the oldest-looking among them managed. "We were only speaking carelessly while finishing the corridor. Forgive us."
Julian's gaze moved over them before returning to Sera.
"I was not offended," he said. "I was interested. One of you mentioned a spicy novel. Something about an alpha and a young princess, if I heard correctly."
The corridor seemed to freeze.
For a second, none of them were able to decide whether it would be worse to admit it or pretend that they had no idea what he meant.
A maid near the wall went scarlet. Another stared at the floor with the intensity of someone praying to disappear into it.
Even the air felt awkward.
Sera's fingers tightened against the fabric of her skirt.
"My lord…" one of them began, then failed to find a safe continuation.
Julian's smile remained polite, which somehow only made the question more dangerous.
