Victoria
I returned to the Graham duchy with the jewelry box clutched in my hands. My father had asked me to take it with me, just in case I needed it. But truthfully, I didn’t need it, not yet.
Holding the box against my chest, I stared at the fading sunset. The sky was already darkening, and thankfully, Alexander had left.
All I needed to do now was keep this hidden from him. He didn’t need to know about it, not until the time was right, when he’d finally see the strength I carried.
In my past life, I knew about the jewels. Yet in my naïveté, I left the duchy behind, caring only for James.
I regret never taking them with me, regret not listening to my father. I had been blinded by love and nothing else.
But this time was different. Now that I’d returned, I would use them—though n
