"The eastern wing. His private study."
Her brow furrowed. She hadn't expected that. The study was not a place where casual summons were made; it was Lucien's guarded space, a room that outsiders rarely saw.
Edgar stepped aside to let her pass, and she followed him through the dimly lit corridors. The air here felt different quieter, heavier. Shadows stretched along the high walls, broken only by the steady glow of wall sconces.
When they reached the study, Edgar opened the door but did not step in. Lucien stood at the far end of the room, a map spread across his desk, candles flickering at his side. He didn't look up immediately.
"You sent for me," Liora said, her voice steady despite the knot in her chest.
At last, he raised his gaze. His expression was unreadable, though something in his eyes sharp and assessing made her feel as though he'd already guessed what had happened earlier.
"Yes," he said, his tone even. "We need to talk about the Miral family."
