It had been several weeks since Aurora returned, and she had spent those quiet days in solitude, mourning the death of her younger brother in peace. She had refused to receive visitors, and Stephen had respected her wishes, going so far as to command that no one disturb her.
No one.
He had not spoken a word to his mother since their return to the palace. After what she had done, and without a single effort to defend or explain herself, Stephen had been resolute. Perhaps she believed her position as his mother would shield her from consequence. If so, she was gravely mistaken. Genevieve had been publicly flogged thirty times and banished to the abandoned wing of the palace.
Aurora had not forgotten Amara and her husband, nor the part they played in her brother's death.
