Liam chuckled. He turned back toward the window, gazing out over the duchy as if the answer might be written somewhere in the morning light.
"I'll think of something," he murmured.
At that, Louisa gave a bitter smile.
She could not bring herself to tell her husband what was truly forming in her mind. The idea had taken root the moment Cathy had spoken those words the previous night, and it had only grown stronger with every passing hour. She still hadn't fully decided if she was willing to go through with it.
Even if she did, she would prefer to keep it hidden from Liam entirely and carry it out in secret.
***
The same morning had reached Vanessa's quarters in its own way.
The room was warm, the curtains drawn to block the early light and a single mana lamp burnt low on the writing desk.
