*is, by now, pressing his cheek against the wall and the coldness only serves to remind him that he is awake and Lucas' cheerful tone is jarring* [As you wish, my lord. Shall I drop by later to discuss further strategy?] *and, oh, Lucas has the temerity to joke at a moment like this (but he should not be surprised because you are smiling too)* [No dark alleys necessary.]
*becomes rapidly aware that your conversation is coming to a close and forces himself to his feet and back a few steps (and how he wishes he had been delayed so that he did not have to listen to this, so that he might still believe that there is hope)*