Chapter 36: The Duke's Letter
Duke Ricardo was in his study…
His hand trembled slightly as he held a sealed letter, the crest of Baron Lestervin clear in the wax.
He broke it open with his ring and read slowly. His eyes narrowed as he reached the last line, forcing his lips press into a thin, sour smile.
"So… it is true," Ricardo muttered under his breath. "The girl is bound. And the sea princes guard her like hounds."
Harriet walked in... She wore her usual dark gown, her eyes looked mocking. "You speak to yourself too much, Ricardo. People will think you are losing your mind."
Ricardo slammed the letter on the desk. "It is not my mind I'm losing, Harriet. It's time. Every moment that girl breathes, the sea's grip on this land grows stronger. If the old king rises, if those princes succeed… everything we built will drown."
