Disheartened, Lyra turned to return to her chamber when the sight of Linda approaching stopped her.
"What happened? Casian didn't let you in?" Linda smirked, a tinge of mockery in her tone that made Lyra clutch the hem of her dress.
Lyra lowered her gaze under Linda's provoking stare.
"But he won't stop me," Linda said, her voice laced with challenge.
Lyra watched as Linda walked past her, heading straight for Casian's chamber door.
"Tell Casian that Lady Linda wishes to meet him," she instructed the guards.
The guards exchanged a brief glance before one of them disappeared inside to inform him.
Lyra stood at a distance, watching in silence. Moments later, the guard returned.
"Please come in, my lady," he said, stepping aside to let Linda in.
Linda smirked, catching a glimpse of Lyra's disheartened expression from the corner of her eye before stepping inside.
