Daphne slowed the moment she stepped into her office.
Her fingers brushed the edge of the desk as she moved farther inside. The wood was smooth beneath her touch. Someone had been oiling it. The shelves were clean, her ledgers were neatly stacked where she had left them months ago.
"They took good care of everything," she murmured.
Alice smiled behind her. "They never stopped hoping you'd come back."
Daphne nodded and moved around the desk, lowering herself into the chair.
"Let them know I'll meet everyone properly later," she said. "I just need a moment."
Alice hesitated. "Princess."
"I'll be fine," Daphne said gently. "I promise."
After a brief pause, Alice bowed and stepped out, closing the door shut behind her.
Daphne exhaled and rested her hands on the desk, letting herself breathe. Just for a moment.
The door opened again.
And closed.
Every instinct she had screamed. Daphne was on her feet before she could even think.
He stood between her and the door.
