Chapter 92 – Cedric POV
I watch as she leaves.
Lady Daphne.
I was trying to get to know her. I've heard the rumors, of course—the wedding night fiasco, the whispers that she was traumatized. But isn't a year enough to move on?
Besides, that wasn't me. That was the previous Cedric. I'm not him. I'm better.
I stretch, rolling my shoulders. Honestly, I don't have the time or patience for this kind of emotional fragility. She should be grateful I even tried. I've heard the way the others speak—how plain she is compared to the rest of the women in my house. They're not wrong.
I don't say it to be cruel. It's just the truth.
Still, I offered her kindness. An invitation. And she turned me down?
Ha.
That's fine. I've got more important things to do than coddle one of my concubines. I'm the Duke of Callum. I've rebuilt the water systems, overseen the eradication of disease, and brought order to a crumbling duchy.
Let her sit and paint.
