n only by Rosalind's hiccupping sobs. Eleanor an

ing! What does my brother have to do with

son, the heir, would refuse his duty was unthinkable. "Adeline, yo

gaze steady. "I'm telling the truth. If you don

uke's heir on such a matter would be a mo

threats. Eleanor looked about to call

ice cut through from the

coldly authoritative. His gaze swept the scene-the shattered bowl, Rosalind's tears, Eleanor's rigid ange

s! You have to do something about her!" She pointed accusingly at Adeline. "She re

laims. She says the empty cradle in this house is not due to any defec

with an unreadable expression-no surprise, no denial. Adeline simply me

enial made both mother and sister uneasy. They e

e, his words detonate

pped. "Brother, wh

for the others. "I said, she is not wrong. I am th

fection-alliance. Strategic positioning that instan

She will not be forced to drink concoctions of questionable origin." He turned to

k, face pale, fresh tears of

d by her own son, in defense of this woman-she was l

better. This wasn't protection. It was control. He was protecting his own decree, not her, asserting authority over ever

ld mask. "Come with me." Not a request. He turned and walked out, leaving behi

ion as impassive