Morning broke over the palace, golden light spilling across the white stone like honey. Birds sang softly outside the arched windows of the west corridor.
Sebatien adjusted the collar of his shirt as he walked alone through the hallway, half-lost in thought. Last night still lingered on his skin. James's touch still burned faintly under his robe.
He didn't hear Ignareth approach.
Not until the prince's voice cut clean through the stillness.
"Sleep well, Lord Sebatien?"
Sebatien turned slowly, mask already up.
"I did, thank you. You?"
Ignareth's smile didn't reach his eyes.
"You know," he said calmly, "I always thought you were smart enough not to make foolish decisions. But now I'm not so sure."
Sebatien's stomach turned.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Ignareth took a step forward. Just one. It was enough.
"I warned you not to get too close to anyone who could be used against you."
