Livia had no idea why that undid her. The case slipped from Livia's hand and struck the floor with a dull sound. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Tabitha.
"My lady…"
Livia clung to her and cried then she pulled away. Her face was wet, her breath uneven. "Thank you for everything."
"My lady—"
But Livia had already picked up her case. She turned and walked away. Tabitha watched her go, confused and increasingly alarmed.
She turned back toward the chamber Livia had just left. The door stood half open. Inside, Richard sat on the edge of the bed, his head buried in his hands.
He looked hollow.
Tabitha stepped inside. "What is going on?"
His shoulders rose and fell once, sharply, breathing had become an effort. He dragged both hands down his face and looked up. "It is nothing...It is just a temporary setback."
"Your Grace," Tabitha said carefully, "what did you do?"
