About thirty minutes later, while Lucas was still organizing his things with Tom, there came a firm knock on the door. Tom opened it and a palace servant stood there, slightly out of breath as if he had hurried all the way.
"Lord Xavier," the servant said, bowing respectfully, "His Majesty requests your presence. It is a private summons."
Lucas exchanged a quick glance with Tom. He nodded once and adjusted his robe. "Tell His Majesty I am on my way."
The servant bowed again and rushed off.
Lucas exhaled softly. "A private meeting… this is unusual," he muttered, more to himself than to Tom.
Tom bowed his head. "Please be careful, Master."
Lucas placed a hand on the boy's shoulder briefly, a silent reassurance, before stepping out of the chamber and making his way through the long corridors.
Two guards stood at the door, and when they saw him they opened it immediately without a word.
Lucas stepped inside.
