The next afternoon, Alaric summoned Alice to his office.
She knew something was wrong the moment she stepped inside.
Alaric stood by the table with one hand resting on the wood while the other held a cup of wine. He did not turn when she entered.
Alice froze slightly.
Alaric Blake does not drink during work hours.
He barely drank at all, except with Arin.
"You called for me, General," she said, bowing.
"I did. Close the door," he said.
She did.
"You brought a letter to my wife last night," he said.
Alice stiffened. "Yes, my lord."
Alaric finally turned. His eyes were calm but there was something sharp beneath them.
"Who sent it?"
Alice shook her head. "There was no name, sir."
His jaw tightened. "No signature at all?"
"No, General."
Silence stretched.
"Has my wife received letters like that before?"
Alice hesitated.
Alaric noticed immediately. "Answer me."
"Yes," she said. "She has."
He clenched his fist, closed his eyes briefly, then asked, "How many?"
