As they stepped out of the room together, walking side by side toward the grand hall, the castle continued its preparations. The envoy's arrival had set everything in motion, but in this quiet corridor, mother and son shared a secret that no one else in the duchy could even begin to imagine.
The game was far from over.
***
By the time Olivia and Julian reached the grand hall, everyone of importance were already present.
Liam and Louisa had taken their seats on the slightly lowered platform, their postures composed but their eyes sharp.
Marcus, their son, however, was noticeably absent.
The Duke had asked about his whereabouts earlier, but Liam had simply dismissed it with a casual wave, saying that the boy was sick. The hall did not entirely believe the excuse, but no one was brave enough to push the matter further.
After the clock hit the fifteen-minute mark with everyone present, Liam turned toward the Duke with a faint smile.
