inside a palace. Every step echoed against marble floors, the c

tiful, yes-

Hale. Amara forced a polite smile, though her heart was r

oks so

have chosen an

't last

sliced int

ad, every movement confident and commanding. He didn't paus

turned to his butler. "Show her the house," he said

s,

l, his tall frame vanishing beh

er man named Harris, cleared his throat and began leading her from room

ing Amara had ever seen. Yet the

fresh bread drifted through the air. The housemaids

. Hale," Har

kly bowed. "We

all smile. "Please,

ess of the Hale mansion had ever spoken

handed her a plate of bread. "Wou

hands, her smile soft. "Than

her cheeks flushing. She

is raised a brow

eyes narrowed as he observed her laughing gently with the maids, her voice

y, scowling. She's pr

ering through the silent halls. Her small ro

ucian's stud

His voice, deep and cuttin

dly. "Just a contract. Don't worry

blood

He was talking to her. The woman from before.

b that threatened to escape. She had known this wasn't love, but hearing it

e dropped even lower, almost g

ir scraping echoed.

t heaving. Her heart pounded

ll in hand. He stopped abrupt

owed, sharp a

g here?" he asked,

arted, but no

d been