Ashen's boots struck the floors harder than he intended as he stalked back toward his chambers.
His temper had been short all day ever since Rhynera's meddling ruined his mood, and the endless palace cases and council petitions had left him feeling like the walls themselves were closing in.
"Well…" Ero's voice was cautious as he fell into step beside him, "…my lord, I just got news from Stella that my lady is angry because you didn't pick her up like you promised."
Ashen froze mid-stride. "Damn it," he growled, raking a hand through his hair.
He never planned to break the promise and he had been too mad and busy it totally slipped off his mind.
"I am going to be in damn trouble," he muttered under his breath, almost to himself.
Ero blinked, startled by the note of actual panic in his master's voice. "My lord… You sound worried."
Ashen shot him a glare, but there was no real heat in it. "You think she won't be furious?"
