rol took over; the rage was locked behind icy composure. She didn'

Eleanor said, flat a

ok at Adeline, then scu

continue another time." It was a dismissal. The noblewomen, eager to escape the te

cloying scent of roses. Eleanor rose, tall and imposin

deline." The words carri

dignity of a Ferguson wife,"

child. It is secured in the nursery." Her eyes were chips of ice. "Your only value t

ided out. "Come."

e chambers, sat at the ornate vanity, and unpinned her elaborate hairstyle, letting her silver-

acated. Adeline hesitated only a second. Not a hill to die on. Not yet. She picked up the heavy brush and move

ou have been married nearly two years," she began, voice low and cutting. "And still your womb is

nly a fraction before con

sure the continuation of the line. It is your primary purpose for existing, Adeline. Your only purpose." H

bleeding, weak and heartbroken in bed. Kian had stood at the foot of the bed, face cold with disgust. "I warned you, Adeline. You are not fit to be

have a child. It was that he wouldn't allow her to. And this woman, his mother, placed the weight

tles whispering through Eleanor's hair. Her voice, when she spoke, was quiet and

ss the subtle accusation,

ught you the most

triumphant smile, carrying a silver tray. On it sat a single porcelain