"Lord Rosenroth."
Rafael closed his eyes for the briefest fraction of a second before turning.
Gregoris stood before him not as a Shadow commander, but as the Duke of Alamina in full ceremonial regalia. The cut of his coat was immaculate, tailored to an inch of its life, dark fabric threaded with silver blue, a shimmer of ether threading through it. His posture was perfect, his expression polite, his presence… unchanged.
That was the problem.
"Your Grace," Rafael replied, bowing. His tone was flawless, deferential without warmth. "Congratulations on your return. I trust Donin did not detain you longer than expected."
Gregoris smiled.
It was a court smile. Entirely inappropriate for the way his eyes lingered, slow and intent, as if Rafael were the only fixed point in a moving room.
"Not long enough to miss this," Gregoris said lightly. "You performed beautifully."
Rafael inclined his head. "The ceremony was designed to pass quickly."
