[Lavinia's POV—Later—Dawnspire Wing—Lavinia's Chambers]
The hallway leading to my chamber was quiet.
Too quiet.
Moonlight spilled through the stained glass windows, scattering silver and white across the polished floors. Marshi trotted beside me, tail swaying lazily.
I slowed… then stopped.
Because standing outside my chamber door was Osric.
Petting Solena.
Solena perched confidently on his arm like the most traitorous bird in existence.
"What are you doing here, Grand Duke?" I asked, my voice clipped and formal.
Osric turned, immediately bowing. "Greetings, Your Highness."
His hair was neatly tied, his uniform perfect, and his posture straight despite the faint bruise still fading on his jaw. His eyes, however… were unreadable.
I waited.
He straightened and said calmly, "I was here to follow my oath."
I paused mid-step.
"Oath?" My brow furrowed. "I thought you…"
I sighed, waving a hand dismissively. "Never mind. But I don't need you guarding me today. You can go."
