The heavy, enchanted velvet drapes of the master suite in the Capital Estate were drawn tightly shut, blocking out the glittering, treacherous starlight of the Imperial City.
The room was bathed in the warm, flickering crimson glow of the massive hearth, casting long, dancing shadows against the polished marble walls.
Duke Kaelus von Nacht sat in a high-backed, leather armchair pulled directly to the edge of the sprawling, four-poster bed.
He had removed his heavy chestplate and his midnight-blue coat, clad only in his soft, dark linen undershirt.
His posture, usually so rigidly disciplined that it looked as though his spine had been replaced with an iron rod, was entirely relaxed.
He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, his chin propped on his clasped hands.
He was staring at the bed.
Specifically, he was staring at the tiny, dark-haired child buried beneath a mountain of silk blankets, clutching a pink, gently snoring ember-puppy to her chest.
