What could she say? That she had been deceived? That while she guarded herself against Bella, Livia had already taken possession?
The answer was too humiliating to confess. She had mistaken Lady Bella for the greatest threat, while Livia, had become the centre of Henry's world without lifting a finger.
*****
Tabitha burst into Livia's bedchamber with such force that the curtain separating it from the outer apartments swayed behind her.
Livia had spent most of the day lying across the enormous bed, staring at the carved canopy above her. A book rested unopened beside her, which was alarming enough on its own. She had attempted to read three times, but every sentence dissolved into the same questions.
Was Henry married now? Had he spoken the vows? Had he looked at his bride the way he sometimes looked at Livia?
She told herself she did not care. The lie had grown less convincing with each toll of the Abbey bells.
