Aldric blinked, first at Emma, then at Lorraine. Sylvia's eyes never left him, sharp and assessing. Though Emma hadn't spoken yet, the air between them was heavy with implication. Any observer with half a mind could read the unspoken truth.
Aldric let out a long, measured breath. "I did warn her not to tell anyone," he said evenly, his gaze flicking to Emma, then back to Lorraine. "But you, Your Highness, were never included in that list. Emma should have known better…" He paused, his voice softening slightly. "I feared she might speak of it to that traitor Cedric, or someone who could relay it to the dowager. I am… surprised she hasn't come to you until now."
His tone was neutral, almost detached, but Lorraine leaned into it instinctively, trusting him as she always had. Still, she could not ignore the tremor in Emma's hands, the subtle quiver of her shoulders. Emma loved Aldric, and for her to fear him so, something had clearly gone wrong.
