Lucas grabbed the case and stepped out into the corridor while the sky was still pale. He held the case with both hands as if it were made of fragile crystal, and he walked with steady steps until he arrived at the Empress's private quarters.
Two guards straightened the moment they saw him. One of them spoke in a low tone.
"You are here very early, my lord. Her Majesty has only just risen."
Lucas nodded.
"I will not take long. I only need to deliver something important."
The guard exchanged a brief glance with his partner before knocking on the door. A few seconds passed before it opened from within, and Seraphine appeared, already dressed for the morning but clearly not expecting visitors.
Her eyebrows lifted slightly when she saw who stood outside.
"Xavier? What brings you here at this hour?"
Lucas offered a polite bow.
