“Your Grace. This is a surprise.” Ferdinand finally yielded.

“I can tell, seeing that your shock impeded your visual and auditory perception,” Greg replied monotonously, still disregarding the man’s title and position. The gears in his head continued to turn. They’d never met. He’d seen the man’s photo, but that wasn’t where Greg recognized… parts of him. This person - his energy and scent were as new as they were foreign, but segments of his features reminded Greg of someone. He just couldn’t figure out who.

Ferdinand’s frown forced itself into a superficial smile as he straightened himself in his seat. Dropping the ball next to a paperweight, he stated,...