Sorel's breath hitched, his heart seemingly gripped by an invisible hand.
Because this matter should remain unknown to anyone.
Besides himself and Duke Raymond, this true allegiance had never appeared in any document, any secret message, or any conversation.
The knowledgeable nobility in the Imperial Capital believed him to be the Second Prince's person, and the Second Prince never doubted it.
This identity was buried deeply in shadows, unknown even to the knights accompanying him.
Normally, a young lord far in the Northern Territory couldn't possibly point it out directly.
Yet Louis simply said it lightly, dissecting him as if he could see him through to his bones.
Guessing, perhaps? He comforted himself this way.
But fear still rushed up his spine instantly, like being seen suddenly in the dark.
Louis didn't stop. It was as if he continued down a thread he had long grasped, his tone even carrying a hint of concern:
