I scan the room and find Charlotte sitting on a chair in front of the window, staring outside. “Where is Genevieve?”
“With Ludis again.” Antonia steps aside to let me into the room, then closes the door behind me.
“Was she with him all night?” I walk slowly alongside her.
She shrugs.
“She’s been spending most of her time with him.” While we’ve been taking turns caring for Charlotte and researching, she’s often flitting off to spend time with the prince. “Do youthink she’s maybe enjoying her time with him? He can be very charming when he wants to.”
“I’m not sure. We’ve pretty much only talked about the poisoning or Charlotte.” Antonia pauses in front of a couch that faces the fireplace.
“You know I can hear both of you,” Charlotte says without taking her attention from the window.
I blink a few times, then look over at Antonia. Her lips are parted in surprise. “Charlotte?”
“Yes, I’m still here.” She turns slowly. “He’s not. And he’s not coming back, is he?”
“No.” I cross the room to her, then wait out of reach. “I’m so sorry.”
“I know.”
“Do you need anything?” Antonia offers.
“Did you find out the cause yet?” Charlotte asks.
“Not yet,” I say.
She lets out a long sigh. “He wouldn’t want me to do this.”
“Do what?” Antonia asks.
“Shut out the world. Mourn him for so long.” She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “I think I’m ready to move on.”
“You don’t have to move on. And you won’t for a long time. But you can start living again,” I say gently.
She stands, then looks down at the nightgown and robe she’s been wearing for days. “This won’t do at all.”
Without a word, she strolls over to her bathing chamber, then closes the door behind her.
Antonia and I look at each other. Her confused expression is probably a mirror to my own.
“She goes from not speaking to suddenly up and moving?” Antonia asks.
“Grief is strange,” I say.
“I suppose so.”
The door opens a crack and Charlotte peeks through. “Would someone call for breakfast? I should be dressed by the time it arrives. We can eat together.”
“Of course.” I give Antonia a shrug, then I go to find Nate to request breakfast for us.
Charlotte returns to her room quickly. She’s still in her robe, but her hair is brushed and her face looks brighter. She finds a dress, then returns to the bathing chamber.
“Very strange,” Antonia says.
“I can still hear you,” Charlotte calls from the bathing chamber.
“That’s good to know,” Antonia calls. “What else did you hear while you weren’t speaking to us?”
