Countess Amelia Redgrave’s carriage rattled along the uneven roads leading to Duskwatch. Inside, she smoothed out the folds of her elegant gown, her mind sharp with calculations. The rumors surrounding Lord Veilwood were too inconsistent to ignore. Either he was a fool who had stumbled into greatness, or he was playing a game far deeper than anyone realized.

  She intended to find out which.

  Meanwhile, in Duskwatch, Lucian was still groggy from an afternoon nap when Dorian burst in, flustered as ever.

  "My lord! We have a problem!"

  Lucian rubbed his temples. "We always have a problem. Just tell me what it is."

  "Countess Amelia Redgrave is on her way here! She will arrive within the hour!"

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  Lucian blinked. "Who?"

  Dorian nearly choked. "A powerful noblewoman! Sharp, cunning, and known for exposing frauds! If she suspects anything, she could turn the entire empire against us!"

  Lucian exhaled. "So… I should look busy?"

  Elaine Stormcrest, standing nearby, chuckled. "That might be the first smart thing you’ve said all week."

  Panic set in. Duskwatch had thrived, but it still looked like a mess. The town hall was barely holding together, the streets were still uneven, and his so-called militia was just a handful of people who mostly looked intimidating by accident.

  Lucian stood up, stretching. "Fine. Let’s do this. First order of business—someone find me a fancy chair. Second, make sure everyone who talks to her calls me ‘wise’ at least once. Third—"

  A loud trumpet interrupted him as Amelia’s carriage pulled up outside.

  Lucian sighed. "Never mind. Too late. Time to wing it."

  Dorian whimpered. "We’re doomed."

  Amelia stepped out gracefully, her piercing gaze scanning the area. Lucian forced a smile and stepped forward. "Welcome to Duskwatch, Countess. I hope you had a… pleasant journey."

  She raised an eyebrow. "We shall see, Lord Veilwood. We shall see."