"Empty?" Jeric's voice cut through the stillness of the record room, sharp as a shard of glass. "Explain."
Verin swallowed, his usually composed face pale. "His office, Your Grace. Cleared out. Personal ledgers missing. His official seal gone.
One travel cloak taken from his wardrobe. The stable logs show two horses taken, but the entries were altered. And two of his household servants have vanished as well."
Jeric's hands clenched into fists at his sides. "He knew we were coming."
Cassia circled the desk, her gaze sweeping the room. Something was wrong with this picture. Too rushed, yet too careful.
She spotted it on a velvet cushion by the window, a silver hair clasp inlaid with mother-of-pearl that she'd seen Hale wear just last week. On the dressing table, a signet ring. Hanging in the wardrobe, three formal coats and his ceremonial chain of office.
"This wasn't permanent flight," she said quietly. "He expected safety somewhere nearby."
