The Queen Dowager's chambers were draped in stillness. The scent of sandalwood hung faint in the air, and the light from the tall windows touched the gold embroidery on her gown like sun on snow. Seated with the poise of a ruler who had never truly stepped down, Lilian read the letter in her hand for the third time.
It bore Liora Miral's name. The once-discarded girl who now lived under Lucien's roof.
"She dares write to me?" Lilian said softly, her voice devoid of surprise but filled with calculation.
Beatrice stood to her right. Her hands were folded neatly in front of her, though her eyes betrayed the curiosity stirring beneath the surface.
"She was supposed to be a meek creature," Beatrice murmured. "I thought she would simply rot at that estate, ignored by the fallen prince."
"She writes like a courtier," Lilian noted, folding the letter. "Humble. Careful. Suggestive."
She placed it on the table and stood.