The air in the Beaumont household felt thick with tension, like the heaviness before a violent storm. From my position at the window, I could see small clusters of people gathered outside our gate, their faces a mix of curiosity and malice. Their presence sent a chill down my spine.
"They've been there all morning, my lady," Jasper reported, his voice low and controlled despite the obvious strain in his expression. "No town guards yet, which is... unusual, given the rumors circulating."
I turned away from the window, my hands trembling slightly as I smoothed down my dress. "Thank you, Jasper. Continue to watch for any changes."
As he bowed and withdrew, I caught my reflection in the mirror across the room. I had dressed with particular care this morning—my finest day dress, hair impeccably styled, face carefully painted to hide the sleepless night. I refused to be caught looking anything less than composed when they came for me.
