LUCAS’S POV
I sat in my study, reviewing reports from the northern territories. The words blurred together, numbers and trade agreements that should have held my attention but didn’t.
My mind kept wandering to other things. To hazel eyes and a defiant tilt of a chin. To soft skin under my fingertips and the way her breath had caught when I’d leaned close.
I forced my focus back to the documents.
The door burst open without warning.
Byron stood in the doorway, his face flushed like he’d been running. “My lord, there’s been an incident in the ladies’ quarters.”
I didn’t look up. “Elora can handle whatever drama is happening among the court women.”
“My lord, someone died.”
My head snapped up, every muscle in my body going taut. “Who?”
“A servant girl. There was some kind of poisoning
