The door creaked open. Amara waited for Maxwell to appear and nag her.
"Your Grace," said a maid as she entered, bowing slightly. "I've brought the clothes. If you're awake, we should dress you."
Three more maids followed, their arms full of fabric. Their steps were hurried, their eyes darting anywhere but at her.
Amara's gaze narrowed. One of them wasn't a maid at all. Beneath the plain dress and apron, she recognized Sisi—one of Maxwell's soldiers
"Where is Maxwell?" Amara asked.
"Your husband is with our Lord, Your Grace," the maid replied.
"What is this?" Amara's eyes fell on a large piece of luggage.
"It's for your departure, Your Grace. We were ordered to prepare it," the maid explained.
"Prepare what?" Amara demanded.
"Your clothes, my lady," the maid answered, helping her into a gown.
*He is in a hurry, just as I suspected,* Amara thought.
"Is my departure today?" she asked aloud.
"Yes, my lady. Your husband ordered us to hurry," came the reply.
"Call my husband. Tell him I wish to see him ," Amara commanded.
The maid hesitated, wringing the fabric in her hands. "My lady… he said there was no time—"
"I will not ask twice, Sisi," Amara said, her voice firm.
"Yes, my lady," the maid replied, bowing before leaving the room.The others continued dressing her.
Sisi walked quickly to Lord Rawen's workroom and knocked once before stepping inside. She didn't interrupt—they were having a serious conversation.The room was dark.The heavy curtains blocked the afternoon sun
Maxwell sat quietly, his hands tight together.
Lord Rawen walked slowly in front of him.
"The engagement between our children must be finalized quickly," Rawen said. "It's the cornerstone of any lasting peace between our houses and more"
Maxwell's gaze was steely. "This is not simply a political alliance. They are trying to eliminate my wife and children"
He paused, voice low but firm. "My children's lives are at risk if I do nothing. "
Rawen nodded slowly. "Your Grace, the king favors peace with my house. A marriage between your child and mine will strengthen both our positions."
Maxwell's tone sharpened. "I have agreed to this alliance, but it's more than just peace—it's protection. I need your support against the crown prince's schemes."
Rawen's eyes met his, serious and unwavering. "You have it. But we must act swiftly.We should talk more....May be you should stay."
" No , I can't" Maxwell's jaw tightened.
Maxwell spotted Sisi and cut off his conversation with the duke. "Is she ready?" he asked immediately.
Sisi hesitated for a moment. "Your Grace… she wants to see you."
Maxwell's expression shifted, but he said nothing. He stood up while the duke continued talking softly. The men exchanged a few last words about the engagement between their families and kingdoms before Maxwell stepped into the hallway.
Sisi followed closely
*He truly loves her* she thought.* I thought he would yell like always , well this is better*