Liam's eyes narrowed at the mention of the Duchess's name. He gripped the handle of the whip tighter.
"She deliberately set a trap," Ashlyn cried, tears washing tracks through the dirt on her cheeks. "She set a trap to frame me and you. She knew you wanted her. She sent the first letter to trick you, and she sent the second letter to trick me. She planned for the Princess to find us! She is the one who ruined everything!"
She looked at Liam, hoping he would see the logic. Hoping he would direct his anger at her sister instead of her.
Liam stared at her for a long moment. He did not look sympathetic. He did not look convinced. He looked at her as if she were the stupidest creature he had ever seen.
Slowly, Liam crouched down. He bent his knees until he was at Ashlyn's level. He brought his face close to hers. Ashlyn shrank back, terrified of the violent look in his eyes. She could smell the sour wine on his breath and the sweat on his skin.
