I stepped through the front door of our estate with a weariness that seemed to reach my bones. The day had been emotionally exhausting – first the tense conversation with my mother, then the comforting talk with Alaric on our journey home. All I wanted now was peace and quiet.
"Welcome home, Your Grace," Alistair greeted me with a small bow, his voice warm and familiar. I noticed immediately that he was favoring his right leg, a slight grimace crossing his face when he shifted his weight.
"Alistair, please don't bow. Your leg is clearly bothering you." I reached out to touch his arm gently. "And I've told you countless times to call me Isabella when we're alone."
He smiled that grandfatherly smile of his. "Old habits, Your—Isabella."
"Is the Duke in his study?" I asked, removing my gloves.
"Yes, he's reviewing some documents that arrived while you were out."
I nodded, then lowered my voice. "Has he been down to the dungeon today?"
