CHAPTER 121
Grace had been trying to sit still, but her body refused. The council's words rang in her mind, mixing with Robert's silent figure that appeared when least expected. Each time she blinked, she feared she would see him again, his shadow against the stone walls, his blank stare drilling into her, his silence that weighed heavier than any accusation.
She stood from her chair, pacing to the window. Outside, the courtyard torches flickered as though whispering among themselves. Juliet's laughter carried faintly from another wing of the castle, mingling with Jonah's voice. Grace pressed her palms to the cold stone sill, steadying her breath.
"I cannot depend on others for this," she muttered. "If Robert is not at rest, then I must find out why."
She turned sharply and crossed the chamber. The guards outside straightened when she emerged, but she waved them off with a brief command. "No one follows me. I will walk alone tonight."
They hesitated, but bowed.
