the gardens should've been empty, that was the entire point of patrolling them like he had been. yet movement catches his eye near the center fountain and luka exhales slowly through his nose before changing direction. for a split second he considers announcing himself, but decides against it. "if you're attempting to sneak out of the castle, i should probably tell you there's a guard stationed at the east gate." he pauses, stepping into view. "and another at the south gate . . . though the old servants entrance hasn't been checked all evening, not that i'd know anything about that." this is the part he tells himself is just his duty, every single time. the part where he makes sure she isn't seen, or followed, isn't punished for slipping past walls that were never meant to hold her in the first place. "you know i'm going to have to walk you back."