It was already night as the carriage neared the palace gates.
For Vivian, the entire outing had been a failure. Daemon had barely spoken to her. He hadn't even seemed embarrassed after the accidental kiss. In fact, he spent most of the ride sleeping.
Was he really injured? she wondered. Was I wrong about Sir Luka? Maybe he really did attack him...
Now, watching him rest so easily—unguarded and silent—she realized something. He didn't see her. Not really. Not as anything more than background noise.
"Lady Vivian," he said suddenly, breaking the silence. "How is your father, Duke Sterling? I hope his health is well back in the territory."
The formality in his voice caught her off guard. He started a conversation? Now? Why so formal?
"H-he's fine," she stammered, cheeks coloring from the surprise.
"You don't have to be nervous around me," he said with a faint smile. "I don't bite."
