Once Cosette was seated across from Blackburn and they set out, she asked, “Why is Quinn the only servant you retain?”
“He served my father before me. I know that he is loyal.”
“Why doesn’t he speak?” she persisted.
“He does.” Davien grinned. “But only to me.”
She rolled her eyes. “So it’s some sort of spell you’ve cast on him?”
He shrugged. “In a fashion.”
Cosette waited for him to say more, but since she could tell that was all he was willing to offer, she turned her attention out the window.
“I’m sorry about earlier.”
She looked back at the duke, but his face was steeped in darkness. Either the candle glow from the passing lamplights were playing tricks within the carriage, or he had shadowed his emotions from her once more. She thought it was likely the latter.
“The truth is,” he added softly. “You were right.” Cosette didn’t speak, but let him continue. “I think I’ve been this way for so long that I’ve come to accept it. I don’t really remember being any other way. For me, this is normal.” He gave a deep breath that said more than any words truly could. “But when you cried, because of me, because of how I was—” He shook his head. “I realized that I’d only been fooling myself. The beast convinced me that I could never be free.” His voice hardened, took on a new resolve. “But I know the witch that did this to me is still out there. I’m going to find her, and put an end to this nightmare, once and for all.”
Cosette felt her throat tighten, as she leaned forward and slipped her hand into his. “We will find her. Don’t forget that we’re in this together.”
The lopsided grin he gave her caused her heart to thump. “That we are, dear Cosette.”
