The Almighty Duke Claims His Merchant Queen

umble in the gravel, a tremor that traveled up thro

s he

throat, her gloved fingers stil

with excitement as she ran from the main gate. "Th

oomed on Brianna's face. She turned to her personal

rything

"The roast suckling pig is resting, the wine has been

e man returning not just as a scholar, but as a Ro

n the polished glass of the entryway window-her makeup flawless, her

prawling but neglected estate on the brink of ruin. Allen's family, knights for generations, had pride but no go

a respectable scholar's residence. She had managed the accounts, overseen the

carriage-a fine new one he'd surely purchased in the capital-rolled t

d his surprise, his pleasure a

s whispering against the stone floor.

in new scholar's robes, the dark fabric making him look distinguished

't look

a hand back into the carriage-a gesture of

d he took w

with hair the color of spun gold and a gown of expensive silk that shimmered in the

a's face froze, cra

f the last few hours shattered. The scent of roastin

g a piece of furniture for the first time. There was no guilt i

l. He guided the blonde woman forward. "This is Mademoise

eyes swept over Brianna, taking in her gown, her home, with a look

her lungs to work, drawing in a bre

r voice a dry rasp. "Wha

o the grand foyer. He paid no mind to the festive garlands

ill soon be the new mistress of this house," he announced, hi

ysical force. Beside her, she he

n continued, his voice echoing in the sudden silenc

pression not cruel but something worse: i

aid, a hint of magnanimity in his voice. "You m

on Isabelle's lips. She gave Al

icy fury rising from the pit of Brianna's stomach

herous face. She looked at the woman clingi

e. Three years of devot

Her gaze, once soft with love, turn

t as a scorned woman but as th

lips, clear and sharp

ref

replaced by disbelief. He had expected tears, h

t Brianna, a flicker of surprise in her eyes, as if

d loved this man-died in that moment. But in its place,

on them, her gaze fi

fectly level. "Cancel the dinner

ned and walked toward the grand staircase. Each step was delibe

look back, n