"My Lord," Taffe, the new maidservant curtsied as Lord Edmund walked in, head heavy with tumultuous thoughts.
If Corvin's words were not the ramblings of a mad man, he had to see Aria with his suspicions now.
"Taffe. Where is Aria?"
"In her study, my Lord."
He took the meandering steps slowly, thinking of how to phrase his request.
Edmund paused at the side door of the study, one hand already on the latch, the door creaked open and the woman he'd failed to recognize but also utterly familiar,.looked up from her writing.
"Father. Is there a problem?"
She looked worn and a tray of snacks was beside her, uneaten.
"No. I only have something to take care of in town," he said quietly. "I won't be long."
Aria looked up from her ledgers, eyes narrowing slightly, but she only nodded. "Be careful."
He left without another word.
