phin

bone prayer beads never leaving her wrist. Every word out of her m

s of recognized secondary mates. Overnight, "a Montgomery makes the perfect wife" became the consensus among t

Duchy of Carlisle, I had hea

the snow overnight and was sold off to the fighting pits the very next morning. Another time, Lord Gideon

ng the outside world that the servants simply la

agonless bed-maid tasked with bearing his heirs. I was also obligated to present Lady Helena with a pair of h

steps brisk and purposeful as I crossed the stone courtyard. Out of the corner of

grace-the very picture of elegance that had likely convinced Duche

otus Keep. It took only a few moments to arr

ay, I was met with the malicious glare

y refused Dowager Duchess Cordelia's arrangement, Lady Hele

nce this time around had robbed h

adyship hasn't finished her morning grooming. Kneel

ight have obediently dropped t

f I listened to Ruby and missed the appointed hour, Helena would undoubtedly blame me for

hank you for the warning, Ruby. But Dowager Duchess Cordelia orde

herself, I will wait in the antech

to find a valid reason to defy her. Her face darkened i

pped, "You're nothing but a low-tier mate! How dare you disobey H

everal maids and matrons working in the

ponse wouldn't just offend Helena; it would be impo

y looked at her, offering a faint, chilling smile. I held her gaze un

e to disobey," I said, my voice carrying clearly across the yard. "However

ssibly still be grooming herself, as you claim? If word gets out and ruins Her Ladyship'