The guard nodded quickly and withdrew.
Lucas exhaled slowly, but his vigilance never waned. Every sound from beyond the chamber door the rustle of sheets, a subtle change in Liv's breathing made his body tense. He knew all too well that the woman behind that door was not merely the Grand Duke's wife.
She was the center of all this turmoil.
And at the same time, the reason everyone here was willing to die.
Inside the room, Liv closed her eyes, trying to force her body to rest. Yet an unease crept into her chest, like a premonition she could not explain. There was something about the night air too silent, too heavy.
"Jay…" she murmured softly, barely audible, as if calling out without knowing where her voice would go.
Outside the door, Lucas straightened even more.
Whatever was unfolding beyond these walls enemy movements, secret plans, or blood that might soon be spilled one order had become absolute, no danger was ever to reach that room.
