“What an astute observation,” he grunted, bracing an elbow against the armrest and cradling his face. “As much as I’m certain you have many words for me, I’m not in the mood for a lecture.”
“Then I’ll keep it short.”
Lucille approached, her dark green skirts swishing over the damask rug. The movement caught his peripheral vision, but he didn’t look at her.
“You’re approaching this all wrong,”
His hand curled against his cheek.
“Two weeks is not enough time for anyone to master a lifetime of etiquette and court life, but she has done an astounding job thus far,” Lucille said coolly. “And if you refuse to see that—if you refuse to believe in her—then you are setting her up to fail. Not because of her, but because of you.”
He glanced up at her then, meeting herstern features.
A log within the fireplace splintered. Silence settled over the room until the familiar ticking from his pocket caught his ear.
“Guard your time wisely.”His father had said to him when he’d gifted him the watch.“Or be prepared to forfeit what matters most.”
Since boyhood, Cedric had been taught to guard the invaluable. The Duval noble family boasted a lineage of commanders, strategists, and royal guards that stretched back for centuries. Their legacy was built on vigilance and sacrifice—one he inherited.
It was more than duty, Cedric owed a debt to the Queen. Failure to protect the princess and the crown was not an option.
And yet…
All his training and experience were unraveling before him. But not because of his lack of effort, but by his lack of faith.
Lucille’s words crystallized in his mind.
Because of you.
Two hours later, Cedric made his way back through the secret hallway until he was facing the concealed door.
He raised his fist to knock, then stilled. A murmur slipped through the narrow crack. Curious despite himself, he nudged the door open a fraction.
Nin sat on her bed, her skirts spilling around her as well as seven books, opened in a half-circle at her feet. Bijou sat in her lap, her head resting against Nin’s knee.
“Lord Gaston Auguste is charged with the seaside territory to the east. He’s married to Lady Anna Marie Auguste. She’s known for her charity work among the needy…” she muttered, tapping a quill to her lips.
Cedric’s chest constricted.
He’d been too occupied by her quips and the way she challenged him, that he hadn’t considered she would take his instructions seriously. That she would sit here alone, studying and memorizing everything he had tasked her with.
“If Lady Auguste were to approach me…I…” Nin stared at her lap, then groaned. She reached for a journal and flipped through it. “I’m to acknowledge her with a nod and avoid political topics.”
She snapped the journal shut, her shoulders sagging. Her chin quivered, and a tear slipped and dotted the page before her.
Air caught in his throat.
“What’s the matter with me?” she whispered, wiping her eyes. The dog shifted, nudging her hand, and Nin sank her fingers into her fur.
Guilt stabbed through his core, hot andunrelenting.
Nin wasn’t inattentive, lazy, or defiant as he believed. She was alone, afraid, but still choosing to persevere for her brother.
His hand hovered, hesitating before he gently knocked on the door. She sat up and dusted her skirts.
“I didn’t say you could come back,” she said, her arms folded tightly over her chest.
“No,” he said, remaining by the door. “I came here to apologize,” he explained. “I know words may be inadequate, but I grew frustrated under pressure, and I took it out on you.”
