My blood ran cold as I stared at Evangeline's flushed face. Her words hung in the air between us, each syllable dropping like a stone into the pit of my stomach.
"Inside. Now." I managed to say, my voice surprisingly steady despite the trembling that had started in my hands. I turned to the guards who had seized Evangeline's arms. "Release her immediately and return to your posts."
They hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances.
"Did I stutter?" I snapped, channeling every ounce of ducal authority I'd learned to project these past months.
The guards released Evangeline and retreated with hasty bows. I reached out, taking her elbow to guide her up the steps, noticing how she trembled almost as much as I did.
"My lady," Alistair appeared at the doorway, concern etched across his dignified features. "Is everything all right?"
