Chapter 100 – Cedric POV
The dinner is over, but something nags at me.
I should be heading to my quarters. The halls are quiet this time of evening, servants bow and clear the way. But my feet don't turn toward the eastern wing. Instead, I find myself heading west. Toward the duchess.
I tell myself it's nothing. A formality. I should speak to her. After all, she's my wife.
My most important wife.
We haven't spoken in weeks outside of estate matters. She's always composed, always poised, but… lately, something feels off. The way she glances across the table when she thinks no one is looking. The way Lady Daphne seems to always arrive or leave at the same time. Something isn't right.
I climb the stairs to the upper floor of her wing. Her guards—her personal guards, I note bitterly—stand at the hallway entrance.
"Your Grace," one of them says, bowing stiffly.
"I'm here to see the duchess."
A pause.
"I'm afraid she hasn't informed us of any visit."
I raise an eyebrow.
