I followed Mr. Larkspur through the castle’s winding corridors, our steps echoing against the stone walls as we moved deeper into the north wing. This part of the castle was mostly uncharted territory for me. The only other time I’d come this way was during a tour with Freya, and even then, we’d been forbidden from entering these chambers—Lord Protector’s private domain. The memory made me grip my fists tighter, silently coaching myself to stay composed. Emotions had no place here; I needed to focus strictly on the business at hand.
I assumed we were headed to his study, which I’d heard was adjoined by a magnificent library. I’d caught only a fleeting glimpse of its doors before, but even that was enough to spark my curiosity. My heart quickened slightly at the prospect of finally steppin
