Troy did not add that Raphael looked relieved to be released but not for the reasons they thought. Freedom was something he did not care about. Being released from prison meant that Riven was back. For better or worse, he was at least safe. And Raphael was relieved.
He was a dog, a loyal one. Riven was his friend, he wanted to make sure he was safe. That was the only thing he asked Troy as he was getting released, "How is Riven?"
Before Troy left, Ronan asked him to inform the chef to prepare something light—preferably porridge or a gentle stew, nothing heavy on the stomach. Troy, sensing the unusual gentleness behind the command, nodded respectfully and disappeared down the hallway, his footsteps echoing in the vast mansion.
Ronan leaned back in his chair once Troy was gone. The candlelight flickered softly, casting long shadows across the stacks of parchment and unopened scrolls on his desk.
