Butler Hudson's knock was discreet, as always. I scarcely looked up from the tome in my hand before he spoke.
"Young Duke. Lord Frederick Lyas Howells, and Lord Demir Alok Menard, seek an audience."
I closed the book with a quiet sigh and rested it upon the escritoire.
Those two again. They truly possessed a remarkable talent for appearing without notice.
I had intended to continue my studies for another hour at least, yet refusing them outright would only invite further disruption later.
"Inform them I will join them shortly," I said. Hudson inclined his head, turning to leave.
"And Hudson," I added. He paused at once. "You needn't address them so formally. They are family friends."
A faint nod of acknowledgment, and he departed as silently as he had entered.
I lingered only long enough to set my coat straight and smooth the cuffs of my shirt before rising.
Moments later, I made my way through the corridor and into the grand guest chamber.
I could hear them before I even entered.
Frederick's voice carried through the room as loudly as ever, while Demir occasionally responded with a calm remark that only seemed to encourage him further.
When I stepped inside, I found them seated comfortably as though the room belonged to them.
Both were dressed for riding.
Their hunting clothes were practical but well-made, consisting of dark riding coats, polished boots, and leather gloves tucked into their belts. The moment they noticed me, they rose.
They rose as I entered.
"Calvin!" Frederick greeted, already closing the distance. Before I could object, his arm was slung companionably across my shoulder.
I shrugged it off with a mild glare. "Do that again and I'll have Hudson escort you out."
He laughed, wholly unoffended. "You wound me."
Demir merely smiled, offering a courteous nod of his head. His expression revealed nothing beyond amusement, as always.
One could never tell what occupied his thoughts.
That alone made him dangerous in a different way.
I acknowledged them both with a brief nod and moved to a nearby chair, seating myself with precision.
Frederick, in contrast, all but leapt onto the chair beside Demir, draping himself across without the slightest concern for proper manners. Demir glanced at him and quietly shook his head.
Demir simply shook his head at the ungracious behavior.
"You look as grim as ever," Frederick remarked. "I wonder, did you practice that expression before you stepped in, or does it come naturally?"
I ignored the comment, adjusting the watch at my wrist before settling back. "Why are you here without announcing yourselves," I asked plainly. "And why are you dressed for a hunt?"
I had neither time nor patience for unnecessary conversation nor plays.
Frederick placed a hand to his chest in mock injury. "So that's it? No greeting? No joy at seeing old friends? It's been ages."
"It's been three days," I replied.
"Exactly. Far too long."
Demir's smile widened slightly. "We thought you might appreciate spontaneity."
"I don't," I said. "Especially when it interrupts my schedule."
Frederick sighed exaggeratedly. "Listen to him, Demir. Clearly, he no longer enjoys our company."
Frederick stretched his legs out before him, crossing his boots at the ankles.
"You have done something to the eastern grounds," he said. "The path near the old hawthorn hedge. It used to be dull as a sermon, but now it is almost pleasant to ride through."
I gave a brief nod.
Demir glanced at Frederick.
"A practical improvement. Though I suspect you only noticed because your horse nearly threw you."
Frederick immediately looked offended.
"Nearly? I had complete control over that horse. A lesser rider would have panicked."
"You shouted," Demir said calmly. "Very loudly."
"That was encouragement."
I leaned back slightly, adjusting the cuff at my wrist, allowing the exchange to continue without interruption.
After listening in silence for a time, my gaze rested briefly on their mud-stained riding boots.
"Why not take the vehicles?" I asked at last, my voice even. "The estate roads are clear."
Frederick blinked, then laughed as though I had asked something outrageous. "And deny ourselves the pleasure of a proper ride? Never."
Demir's mouth curved slightly. "Besides," he said, "Frederick insisted the weather would favor horses today. He was wrong about that as well."
"That was because the rain lacked courage. It favored courage," Frederick protested. "Which you lack."
I stared at him.
Frederick continued as though his statement made perfect sense.
Demir sighed quietly.
"It was a shallow incline," he said. "And your horse stopped because you pulled the reins too hard."
Frederick stared at him. "You truly exist to ruin stories."
"I just keep them accurate."
Frederick grinned, clearly unbothered. "Unscathed," he added. "Though my dignity suffered a minor wound."
A silent breath left me, something close to amusement, though my expression did not change.
Demir merely adjusted his gloves.
I said nothing more, leaning back again.
Some time passed before Frederick leaned forward, eyes bright. "So? Are you coming with us or not?"
I studied them both. I had other matters awaiting my attention, yet the thought of fresh air and motion was not unwelcome. At the same time, I wonder if I would stumble upon a certain person.
After a moment, I rose. "Give me time to change."
Frederick grinned triumphantly, while Demir nodded his head.
Butler Hudson appeared almost immediately behind me as I turned toward the door. Together, we left the chamber, his footsteps measured behind mine
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