Chapter 79 - A Royal Request, A Duchess's Worry

The room grew still. The teasing air that had filled our breakfast moments ago vanished like morning mist, replaced by a heaviness that pressed against my chest. I studied King Theron's face, noting how quickly his jovial expression had transformed into one of grave concern.

"Lady Sophia Beauchamp," Theron said, setting down his teacup with deliberate care. "She's been serving as lady-in-waiting to my cousin, Duchess Eloise, for the past year. Young girl, barely twenty, from a respectable family in the northern provinces."

Alaric released my hand and leaned forward. "When was she last seen?"

"Three nights ago. She attended evening prayers, then retired to her chambers. By morning, her bed hadn't been slept in." Theron's voice dropped lower. "The window was open, though her room was on the third floor. And there were... signs of a struggle."