"Your tea, Your Highness."
Carl stepped into the study, carrying a cup of jasmine tea. The faint, gentle scent helped loosen the tension etched into Lucian's face.
He looked away from the pile of reports, set down his quill, and gave a small nod.
"Put it on the table."
Carl did as told. He watched his master closely. Since returning from Balton, Lucian had become a ghost of himself. Carl couldn't help but wonder what had happened. Had Lady Ashbourne rejected him again?
Lucian paid no attention to the concern in Carl's eyes. He picked up the teacup, letting the familiar aroma seep into his senses, pouring into the endless longing that gnawed at his chest.
"How is the Balton reform progressing?" he asked.
"Everything is going according to plan, Your Highness. The people are slowly adjusting to the changes, and once spring comes, expansion efforts will pick up pace." Carl reported carefully.
