The snow fell against the tall windows of their Berlin residence, tapping softly against the glass.
A fire burned low in the grate, its warmth unable to soften the chill that seemed to seep into Eva's bones as she sat alone in the drawing room.
The door opened quietly.
Prince Wilhelm entered, his uniform immaculate as always, but his expression somber.
He closed the door behind him, crossing the room with deliberate steps.
Eva looked up at him, and in his eyes she saw the answer before he spoke.
"It's happened," he said simply. His voice was steady, but low. "Your grandfather has passed."
For a moment she said nothing.
The words pressed upon her chest like a weight, yet she did not let them break her.
Her pale features remained composed, though her hands curled tightly against the armrest of her chair.
She drew in a slow, deliberate breath, and nodded once.
