The knock on the door came sooner than expected.
Xion sat up, tugging his rolled-up shirt down as he permitted the visitor inside.
Allen entered in his usual silent manner, with a long coat swishing around his ankles. His expression was blank as always.
But what caught Xion by surprise wasn't his familiar face, but who wasn't with him.
"Darius?" Xion asked instinctively.
Allen gave the faintest shake of his head. "An urgent dispatch arrived from the borders. His Grace was called away."
The truth was, that batch had been here since yesterday. The Archduke simply refused to accept it. Well, it wasn't surprising that His Grace wouldn't allow Bianaca to step into his territory.
But why did he change his mind now? Allen didn't know either, but he had a feeling His Grace was planning something.
"I believe His Grace will return later," Allen added calmly.
