Lucien kept his steps measured as he walked through the empty hall, ignoring the slow drag of pain along his cheek. The wound had dried by now, a thin line of red crusting over skin that should have been stitched or at least cleaned properly.
But that would have required a willing nurse.
The memory of the woman’s forced smile lingered, her hands folded primly as she refused him. No explanation. No apology. Just refusal.
Lucien had known better than to argue.
Instead, he’d walked out, letting the weight of laughter and coins clinking behind him confirm what he already suspected. Bribed. Again.
His fingers twitched at his side, but he didn’t let himself react.
This wasn’t new.
What was new was the quiet presence standing just ahead, leaning against the marble archway with an ease Lucien knew he could never afford.
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Adrien Valmont.
Lucien slowed, just slightly. Turning back now would be obvious, and he refused to give the noble the satisfaction.
Adrien must have noticed. He pushed off the wall, steps light against the polished stone. “Moreau.”
Lucien paused, inclining his head. “Seigneur Valmont.”
Adrien’s lips twitched, as if amused by the formality. “No bandages?”
Lucien’s expression didn’t shift. “The nurse was… preoccupied.”
A pause. A beat too long.
Lucien expected some half-hearted mockery, some glib remark about knowing his place.
But Adrien just hummed, eyes flicking over the wound. Assessing.
“You should clean that,” he said. Not mocking. Not concerned either—just stating it like fact.
Lucien lifted his chin. “I manage fine.”
Adrien’s smirk sharpened. “Clearly.”
Lucien exhaled slowly, refusing to rise to it. “Was there something you needed, Seigneur?”
Adrien tilted his head, dark eyes unreadable. For a moment, it almost looked l
ike he was debating something.
Then—"No."
Lucien frowned, but Adrien was already turning, stepping past him like the conversation had never happened.
Lucien watched him go, brow furrowing slightly.
He should be relieved.
Instead, he found himself standing there a moment longer, wondering why Adrien had bothered at all.
