[Lavinia's POV — Hallway—Continuation]
The echo of my heels faded against the marble as I stepped out of the Imperial Court, the weight of diplomacy still lingering in the air.
"Lavi…"
His voice stopped me—warm, familiar, threaded with something softer than formality.
I turned, already smiling. "Good afternoon, Grand Duke Osric."
He laughed under his breath, closing the distance between us. "I told you, I'm not Grand Duke yet."
I tilted my head, teasing. "Not yet. But in a week you will be. Might as well get used to the title."
Osric shook his head, the faintest smirk tugging at his lips. "You always were impatient with protocol."
He reached out, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. His fingers lingered for just a moment too long—long enough to send a small, traitorous flutter through my chest.
"I'm sorry I couldn't visit you today," he said quietly.
