The acoustics of the alcove were perfect for eavesdropping.
The heavy curtains muffled the noise of the party but trapped the voices inside.
"You look tired, Viv," Aldric's voice was soft. Concerned. "Running the estate alone... it takes a toll."
"I am perfectly capable," Vivienne replied. Her voice was tight. "Damien helps."
"Damien is a boy," Aldric dismissed. "He needs a father. A present father."
"You chose to leave," Vivienne said.
The anger was leaking through now. "You chose the debts. You chose the scandal."
"I made mistakes!" Aldric interrupted.
The volume rose slightly. Passionate. Theatrical.
"I was lost, Viv. I felt... stifled. I didn't know how to handle being married to a legend. It's not easy, living in your shadow."
Marcus rolled his eyes.
The victim card. Classic.
"So you stole from the treasury and ran away with a baron's daughter?" Vivienne asked.
