Riley’s POV
A soft knock on my door pulled me from my thoughts. I’d been sketching, trying to capture the way the afternoon light slanted through the windows, painting the room in shades of gold and amber. I opened the door to find Norman standing there, his jaw tight, his fists clenched at his sides. Even without him saying a word, I knew something was wrong. The air around him crackled with tension.
“Norman? What is it?” I asked, my voice laced with concern.
He forced a smile, a pale contrast of his usual impassive expression. “Nothing. Just came back from the court. I didn't see you in my chamber so I thought you'd be here.”
I raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. He paced the room restlessly, his silence more telling than any words could have been. My heart sank. His visit to the court h
