Man from last night

Liora paused. "You mean Lord Lucien?"

He nodded. "He looks like he bites."

"He does," she replied, then added, "but he also listens." Sometimes."

Theo gave a low whistle. "A dangerous combination."

At that moment, the door creaked open, and Lucien stepped in, his coat still speckled with dust from his earlier ride. His eyes fell first on Theo, then shifted to Liora.

"I see you've been… busy," he said, his voice smooth but unmistakably cool.

Liora straightened. "Captain Theo was helping as you instructed."

"I remember no such instruction," Lucien replied evenly, then turned to Theo. "Captain, report to Rowan for new assignments. You'll be stationed closer to the western post."

Theo hesitated, then bowed. "Yes, my lord." He met Liora's eyes once before exiting.

The door shut with a soft click.

Liora turned. "Was that necessary?"

Lucien's gaze met hers. "He seemed too eager."

"He was helping."