By the time Julian stepped out of his room, the castle was buzzing with energy. It was barely eight in the morning, but the corridors were already alive with servants rushing everywhere.
The King's arrival had turned the entire household into chaos.
Julian walked through it with his hands clasped behind his back and no particular destination. He moved through the corridors at his own pace, watching the preparation unfold around him.
He passed Olivia in the eastern corridor.
She was standing tall and commanding, directing three young maids who were adjusting a large tapestry on the wall. Her own dress was elegant but dangerously flattering — deep emerald green fabric that hugged her figure in all the perfect way.
"Higher on the left. No — there. Hold it steady," she was saying.
She looked up as Julian passed.
For a brief second, the composed mask slipped. Heat flashed across her face as the memories of the last night raced over her.
