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,"

s, child. It is secured in the nursery." Her stare hardened. "Your only value to

race should question the son who has shown so lit

ished from El

alone," Adeline added. "However convenient i

She turned and walked out

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 moved

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 bea

rutal precision: the blood soaking the sheets, the weakness in her l

carry a child safely. Yet Eleanor still laid the future of the dynas

tened. She resumed her brushing, the br

y, "an empty nursery does not

ifted to meet he

her expression perfectly composed. "Sometimes it merely

r went

" Adeline continued. "He is, after all, the only person

d answer, the chamb

ught you the most

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