He could play the obedient son tonight, but only to a point.
At last, he rose smoothly, his chair gliding back with practiced elegance. "Perfect. I will be retiring for the night. Lord Thornvale. Mother. Sister dearest." He inclined his head politely to each before turning toward his wing.
As he departed, Lady Morganna's eyes narrowed faintly, tracking him with the precision of a hawk. She saw the way he greeted her happily and the cold smirk that curled on her son's lips, a smirk that spoke of defiance — of secrets he kept from her.
And Morganna Ravenshade did not tolerate secrets.
---
Julian entered his wing, the quiet closing the door behind him. He moved through the study, ignoring the flicker of candles, ignoring the echo of laughter from the dining hall.
His smirk lingered as he slipped off his coat and poured himself a drink. He had fulfilled his duty for the evening, but tomorrow — tomorrow promised nothing but more theatrics.
