Ever since the mysterious woman had vanished with Luke in a bright burst of fonic energy, Guy had wanted nothing more than to hurry out of Baticul and bring his charge back. But such things couldn't be rushed into headlong, and His Grace, the Duke, had his own plans.

Fortunately, Guy had been ordered to join a small group and search the Malkuth Empire for traces of the wayward noble. It seemed that, even seven years later, the neighboring country remained a prime suspect.

Guy had just left his and Pere's quarters after polishing his blade and was headed to speak with Ramdas about final preparations when he heard a muffled thud coming from the drawing room.

Thinking that one of the maids must have lost her footing, Guy hurried in to find Princess Natalia posed over the table.

Straightening immediately, Guy closed the doors behind him and strode further into the room. ...Poor Natalia. He could already imagine why she had rushed here. This was only the second time her fiancé had vanished, after all.

"My apologies for the wait, Your Highness," Guy said with a bow. "Her Ladyship would have greeted you personally, but I'm afraid she hasn't been well. Is there anything I can do for you?"