Alice Draken watched Emma's carriage vanish beyond the iron gates, the crisp northern air finally easing the tension that had coiled around her shoulders.
'Julies was innocent. I almost lost a loyal person because of my misjudgment.'
The thought sat heavy in her chest. The incident with Emma might have ended cleanly, but the bitter aftertaste of doubt remained. She had allowed her own suspicion to place someone faithful in unnecessary danger.
When she returned to the quiet of her study, Julies was already waiting, standing with the poise of a man who served without flaw. His presence, so steady and unshaken, made the guilt twist a little deeper.
"Julies," she said softly—too softly for a duchess addressing her servant. "I owe you an apology."
His eyes widened, just for a heartbeat, before he quickly bowed. "What are you talking about, Lady Alice? An apology?"
Unlike with Emma moments before, there was no game in his tone, only earnest respect.
