"What do you mean you want to court Clara?" I snapped, glaring at Cassian Vance standing before my desk. "I don't have time for your personal drama."
The stack of papers before me threatened to topple over. Three murders to solve, a conspiracy against the crown to unravel, and my mother's latest schemes to counter—the last thing I needed was Cassian bothering me about my wife's maid.
"It's not exactly courting, Your Grace," Cassian said, shifting uncomfortably. "More of a... temporary arrangement to help her family."
I pinched the bridge of my nose. "A fake engagement? Have you lost your mind?"
"Her parents are struggling, and with her aunt pressuring them—"
"Enough," I cut him off sharply. "Whatever mess you're creating, keep Isabella out of it. She has enough concerns without adding her maid's romantic entanglements to the list."
Cassian straightened his shoulders. "With all due respect, Your Grace, Clara is Isabella's friend. The Duchess would want—"
