Chapter 588

Lucien took the library stairs three at a time. He had made good time through the city, with only a few small interruptions of being recognised and accosted by those who wished to speak with him or to just make themselves known to him. It was something that he was getting used to, the idea that strangers would want to be close to him, and his years as one of Beron's heirs and as Tamlin's emissary had taught him how to handle situations like that. He had been polite, had pleased all those who stopped him with a few quick minutes of conversation, but then he had politely extracted himself and continued on his way to the library in search of Helion.

Rounding the corner of the third floor stairs, Lucien took off down the main aisle. He had figured this would be the section of the library he would find the High Lord as this was the section that dealt with curses. It quickly became apparent, however, that Helion was nowhere to be found. Lucien had been back and forth twice before he paused and tried to reconsider his plan. Perhaps, he thought, his father might have moved on to 'Sorcerers' if he had exhausted this part of the library already. Turning, he headed up another floor.

Vassa would likely be with Helion when Lucien found him, he realised again. He would have to be able to control his mouth as he knew he would certainly have a few things to say to her. Would he say those things in front of Helion? Lucien tried to decide upon his best course of action. On one side, it was not something he wanted to keep from the High Lord. Lucien wanted his father to be aware of all the things which happened in his life, and this threat to much of what he cared for certainly came under things he wanted to be able to discuss with the older male. But then there was etiquette and what was appropriate. Was this a private matter which should be discussed with Vassa behind closed doors? No, Lucien decided. He did not want to be behind closed doors with Vassa again. Perhaps, he thought, he would settle for telling them both he had something to discuss with them, but would wait until they returned to the Palace to do so. It would not, he knew, be proper to do it in this public place.

He need not have made the decision so quickly. Neither Helion nor Vassa were on the next floor, and Lucien began to grow frustrated. With a sigh, he headed back for the stairs, wondering where he should head next. He stopped then when he spotted one of the library priestesses heading his way.

"Excuse me, Priestess." Lucien took a few quick steps toward her. She looked up at him, eyebrows raising slightly in recognition.

"Yes, Lord Lucien?" The priestess' voice was soft, almost muted, and Lucien adjusted his own volume in response.

"Have you seen my father?" He asked, "He was meant to be here this afternoon…"

"He was, for a time." The priestess told him softly, "He was with the redheaded mortal queen."

"Yes," Lucien nodded, "I was looking for them both."

"They left." The priestess said, "Not long ago."

"I don't suppose you know where?"

"No…" The priestess shook her head, "I assume it was to another of the libraries as they were discussing further research." She paused for a moment, "Not that I was intentionally listening… I just happened to hear as they passed…"

"Don't worry about it." Lucien took a step toward the stairs again, "Thank you."