"So she just... left?" I asked, watching Alaric's face carefully for any sign of distress. We were back in our chambers after the kitchen adventure, and he'd finally told me about his confrontation with Dowager Duchess Annelise.
Alaric lounged against the headboard, looking remarkably unconcerned for someone who'd just banished his grandmother from our home. "She made her choice, Isabella. I simply made clear where my priorities lie."
I sighed, settling beside him on the bed. "I never wanted to come between you and your family."
"You didn't," he replied, taking my hand. "She created that distance all on her own with her criticism and unreasonable expectations. Besides, she's hardly the warmest relative I possess."
Despite his casual tone, guilt nagged at me. "Still, she's your grandmother. Blood ties matter."
