Caius sat in his study, the drawn window curtains sending rays of light all around, highlighting the numerous shelves that made up the private space. Thomas stood beside him with a piece of paper. Caius frowned as he read the contents.
"Mother is in charge, I see. She won't agree to relinquish her role that easily, let alone let me make changes. I'll have to find a way to convince her."
Caius's frown deepened as he recalled that he had moved Rose's belongings to his room as an attempt to force his mother to give her room back; it was certainly better than Rose remaining in his chambers indefinitely.
The door swung open and a loud voice called, "Caius!"
Speak of the devil.
"Mother," Caius called with a smile as he stood. "I was about to come find you."
A guard closed the door as soon as she walked in. She was alone, none of her ladies-in-waiting in sight. She was furious, and Caius knew it from the moment she used his name.
"Leave us, Thomas."
