Lucien’s Pov
I reached the castle gates just after midnight. The guards greeted me with deep bows of total submission, but I was focused on only two things: getting inside and securing the safety of the figure in my arms—Seraphina.
Seraphina was bruised, beaten, and unrecognisable from being left outside for God knows how long. I had only taken a brief business trip abroad, and the first thing I heard upon my return was that she had been thrown into the woods because she was "being disrespectful to Hannah." Hannah had no right to give her a punishment I had specifically forbidden.
I reached the castle doors and didn't bother knocking; I kicked them open with my foot. The frantic noise inside ceased instantly. I stepped in, ignoring the stares of the staff. They were likely wondering wh
