Jannelle
Two days. I had two days left before Sophia's ultimatum expired, and I was no closer to finding a way out of the trap she'd set for me. The wedding invitation still lay on my small table like an accusation, Adrian's cruel words echoing in my mind every time I looked at it.
Lord Darius had been patient, kind, and attentive throughout my obvious distress. When he found me crying in the servant's corridor yesterday, he'd simply handed me his handkerchief and asked no questions. When I could barely eat at meals, he made sure Cook sent extra bread to my room. His gentleness only made what I was about to do feel more like a betrayal.
The great hall buzzed with the usual evening activity, nobles dining, servants hurrying between tables, the constant hum of courtly conversation. I stood near the kitchen doors, watching Darius at his table, trying to gather the courage for what I had to do.
