The soft whirring of machinery, the semi-darkness of the closed lab, the slight smell of grease and oil... for Viktor, this was the equivalent of paradise.

As much as he disliked the palace life, he had to admit that working for the king offered a great number of perks, the first being the topmost floor of the west tower, thankfully always quiet. Well, when Jayce wasn't there.

He tinkered away happily at his desk, not registering the sound of the door opening, or the footsteps advancing, at least until he heard someone clear their throat.

"If it's Jayce you're looking for, he's down--" Viktor cut himself off as he turned towards you, his expression softening slightly. "... oh. Your highness. Are you here on behalf of your father, or for some other reason?"