Victoria
I watched as my maids carefully packed my belongings, each trunk carried down to the three carriages Alexander had sent at dawn.
Today, I was to leave with him. No matter how hard I tried to steady my nerves, the weight in my chest refused to lift.
I had never left the duchy before, never been so far from my family, from the people who knew me best.
A knock interrupted my thoughts. The butler stood at the door, his face grim.
“My lady,” he bowed.
Something in his tone unsettled me.
“Is something wrong?”
He hesitated.
“Forgive me, but… you have a guest.”
“A guest?” My brows furrowed. “Now? I don’t have time for anyone.”
Still, I descended the stairs. A voice greeted me before I even saw him, familiar, unwelcome, and enough to make my blood run cold.
“Victoria,” James
