This "Carl" showed none of the embarrassment or apology of a typical lost guest. He even casually raised a hand to smooth out a nonexistent wrinkle on his cuff.
"Thank you for the reminder, lovely young lady." His voice grew deep and even, tinged with an elegant rhythm. "The moonlight is delightful, and the castle's corridors are as winding as a labyrinth; it's easy to lose one's way. I was simply drawn by a peculiar aura and unknowingly wandered here."
His cold, brown eyes scanned the girl again. "May I ask which member of the Monte family you are? Such a serene disposition is rare in Blackstone Fortress, here in the Northern Territory."
The girl's dark eyes met his gaze as she simply repeated her previous words. "Sir Carl, the banquet is over. This is the castle's private residence. Guest rooms are in the west wing. Are you lost?"
She took a single, small step forward. The movement was perfectly natural, yet it perfectly blocked "Carl" from advancing any further.
