Chapter 64 - Past Wounds and Future Heirs

I stared at Alaric, my heart pounding as his fingers traced the edge of my mask. The intensity in his eyes made it difficult to focus on our conversation about his mother.

"I'd rather meet Lady Rowena first before deciding if I should befriend her enemies," I said, pulling back slightly. "It seems unfair to judge her before I've properly spoken with her."

Alaric dropped his hand and laughed, though there was no humor in it. "Fair? My mother doesn't understand the concept. She'll arrive here like a raging bull, ready to tear you apart."

"Even so, I want to give her a chance."

"We could always hide," he suggested with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I know several secret passages in this house."

I shook my head firmly. "No, Alaric. I won't hide from your mother. I'm the Duchess of Thornwick now, whether she likes it or not."

Surprise flickered across his face, followed by what looked like approval. "As you wish. But don't say I didn't warn you."