LIORA’S POV
I stared at the open book in front of me, the words blurring together into meaningless shapes.
Why had Darren left the palace? Was it really because of me? Because the thought of fulfilling our arrangement disgusted him so much he had to flee? Or was he actually investigating Anna and Lord Cassius’s death like he’d promised?
Maybe he was gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, doing all the things he couldn’t do while trapped in palace politics.
Or maybe he’d just abandoned me.
“Lady Liora.”
Lady Maelis’s sharp voice cut through my thoughts. I looked up to find her staring at me with barely concealed irritation.
“I apologize, Lady Maelis. I was just…”
“Daydreaming again.” She tapped her cane against the desk. “We’re discussing pack history, not providing you time fo
