Fifteen agonizing minutes later, the door opened.
Duke Lucien Asterion stepped inside.
He was wearing white, a simple shirt and dark trousers, both slightly disheveled. His hair was tousled, a light sheen of sweat on his forehead, and there was a bow slung across his back.
Oh. He's been practicing archery.
Right. In the book, the Duke was the best archer in the entire kingdom. Undefeated in tournaments. It was one of his defining traits.
"Your Majesty," he said, bowing. "You sent for me?"
Our eyes met across the room.
I immediately tore my gaze away, suddenly very interested in the vegetables on my plate.
Don't look at him. Don't think about how good he looks all sweaty and athletic, you slut.
"Sit, Lucien. Please." The Emperor gestured to a chair.
The Duke sat, his movements graceful despite clearly having just finished intense physical activity.
