The carriage rolled through the evening streets, the noise of the marketplace slowly fading behind me.
The capital had grown quieter.
Shops were closing, wooden shutters creaking as merchants secured them for the night. Lanterns flickered to life along the streets one by one, their warm glow spilling across the cobblestones.
I leaned back against the cushioned seat, watching the city drift past the carriage window.
For a moment, it felt peaceful.
The warmth from the necklace resting against my throat had faded slightly, though not entirely.
[Conclusion: the suspicious duke remains suspicious.]
I exhaled softly.
I noticed, Nero.
[At least he did not attempt to poison you.]
How comforting.
[My standards are reasonable.]
The carriage turned through the familiar iron gates of my estate.
Tall hedges lined the stone path leading toward the manor, their shadows stretching long across the gravel as evening deepened.
And then I saw her.
