A Few Moments Ago
Vencian traced the same worn path through the outer garden for what must have been the tenth time. The gravel crunched beneath his boots with each pass, a rhythm that was starting to grate.
He'd arrived too early.
The thought stuck in his mind like a splinter. The royal palace estates sprawled before him, their manicured hedges and marble fountains somehow managing to look both welcoming and utterly inaccessible. Guests wouldn't begin filtering in for another half hour at least, and standing here in full view like some eager puppy waiting for scraps made his skin crawl.
He stopped mid-stride and turned to his valet, Revik, who stood a respectful three paces behind. "You can go. Join the others at the servants' entrance."
Revik hesitated. "My lord, are you certain,"
"I'm certain I don't need someone hovering while I loiter in a garden."
