The following day, Demian left.
Not the way he usually did not for a brief matter, not for a meeting that would have him return by nightfall.
This time, he was gone from the capital's castle for far too long.
Valerie was given no explanation. No message. No promise of when he would return.
She continued her days as usual. Breakfast in the small room by the garden. A little reading. Walking through the castle corridors that felt increasingly empty.
She did not ask.
Not because she did not want to know, but because she had learned asking would only make her feel small.
But truth does not always come because it is sought.
Sometimes it arrives… uninvited.
Valerie was passing through a side corridor when her steps faltered. Not because she meant to eavesdrop, but because she heard her name spoken.
"His Grace will not be returning soon," Sean's voice sounded low but clear.
Valerie stood behind a stone pillar on instinct, her breath caught.
