Chapter 49

Lia tried her utmost to look unfazed by his sudden appearance, but Claude was downright breathtaking in his uniform; the Ihar crest was embroidered on the lapel, and his hair was slicked back, accentuating his profile. She couldn't take her eyes off of him.

"Are you sleeping with your eyes open, Camellius?" Claude leaned forward, his face just inches from hers.

Startled, Lia sat up straight. "Why are you here? What about the ceremony?"

"I spotted you as I was heading to the palace. Why are you here?"

"Oh. I'm not feeling well," Lia replied, deliberately coughing loudly. It was a blatant lie, and they both knew it. She opened her book to the first page and pretended to read.

Claude barely managed to hold in his laugh, shoulders shaking with silent chuckles.

"If you're ill," he said, resting his head on his hand, "you should go to the doctor, Camellius."