Before Lucien could speak, the door creaked open, Rowan entering with a half-bow. "My lord. There is... a visitor. She says she's sent from the southern territories, but she carries no documentation."
Lucien didn't flinch. "Description?"
"She's young. Possibly in her early twenties. Clumsy as a loose hinge. Nearly knocked over the coat stand," Rowan added, his lips twitching.
Liora blinked, setting the parchment down. "Who would come unannounced? In these times?"
"I intend to find out," Lucien replied, already moving.
When Lucien entered the receiving hall, the girl was standing by the ornate pillar, examining a hanging lantern with wide eyes, nearly touching it. Her cloak was half falling off her shoulder, a leather satchel dragging behind her. The moment she saw Lucien, she jumped almost literally and bowed so quickly she smacked her forehead on the back of a chair.
Lucien stared. "…Are you alright?"
