Meanwhile, Denovan walked slowly along the gravel path beside one of the guards, his polished shoes crunching softly against the stones.
His hands were clasped neatly behind his back, a picture of quiet leisure.
The late afternoon light bathed the estate in a honey-gold glow, turning the rose beds into swathes of molten gold and deep crimson.
A breeze drifted through, carrying the faint perfume of the blooms, mingling with the earthy scent of freshly watered soil.
His gaze lingered for a moment on the far wing of the mansion, where tall windows gleamed faintly.
"Best to leave them be," he murmured, his voice low but with the calm authority of someone used to being obeyed.
His eyes shifted back to the path ahead, yet the faintest curve of a knowing smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "They deserve a day without interruptions."
The guard beside him nodded in agreement, his expression unreadable beneath the shadow of his cap.
