Chapter o
“You’re not worried he might hear you
“Let him Cecily said with a careless laugh. “Men are simple creatures Give them a little affection, and they’ll give you their soul
Eleanor stood hidden in the shadows at the corridor’s bend, unseen, unheard. A cruel curiosity gripped her what would Roland’s face look like if he heard those words? That proud prince, whe once bled for her, reduced to a ruere plaything
Roland Thorne-this is the woman you risked your life to love
Her lips curled into a bitter smile Without a sound, she turned and walked away
From the Silver Chalice Inn, she rode straight to St. Elara’s Abbey
Her mother’s grave lay within the abbey’s cloister, a simple stone among the sisters’ plots Kneeling, Eleanor traced the carved name with trembling fingers, whispering a prayer for her soul.
Mother. I’m to be wed,” she murmured. “To Lord Edmund of Westmarch–the one with one foot in the grave. It’s not so bad. At least he won’t keep a mistress.
The wind stirred the grass at her knees. It felt almost like a silent reply
“Don’t worry.” Eleanor whispered, tracing her fingers over the carved name “I won’t be like you. I
won’t love someone so deeply it kills me That kind of devotion.. it’s foolish I’ll live, and I’ll live
well
As dusk fell, she rose, casting one last glance at the grave before walking away
That night, she packed. Every gown, every jewel, every book.
She packed like someone who knew she would never return
At first light, a courier arrived from her father
A chest of gold- one million crowns and a short message: The Wolvestons grow impatient You
Teave Today
Baldwin didn’t even look up from his wine. “You’ve been paid well. As for Roland
I’ve already made arrangements,” Eleanor cut in “Froin this day forward, he belongs to Cectly He’s her asan guend now I’ve no further weed for hum
A beat of silence Then, for the first time in years Lord Vitemont’s voice softened
Cleanor despite everything, 1 loved you And your mother”
she formed, lips curling in amusement “Insed to think you were just coward Now I see it cloatly
You’re vile
With that, she left him no glance back.
Outside, the carriage stood ready As servants loaded her trunks, Roland stepped out from his quarters, eyes catching on the mountain of luggage
“You’re moving, my lady?” he asked, brow furrowed
Eleanor didn’t look at him. “A change of residence.”
He nodded, asking no further questions. Of course he didn’t realize she meant leaving Crownspare
for the wilds of Westmarch
“I’ll help,” he offered.
“No need “She finally looked him in the eye. “You’ve got other duties now.”
“What duties?”
“Run to the market Buy a cone of candied almonds. Take it to Rosewing Court. Cecily’s expecting
Roland blinked, startled, “Why?”
“You’ll understand when you get there.”
She watched his throat shift as he swallowed. Something flickered behind those usually unreadable eyes- hesitation, perhaps Longing. But in the end, his desire to see Cecily overcame it
Then he paused, as if remembering something, “My lady, once you’re settled, send me your new
address I’ll move my belongings and resume my post.
He was her personal guard, sworn to protect her. That was their arrangement
But this time she said nothing
He waited, but she remained silent. So at last, he turned and left
He had just reached the manor gates when he thought he heard her say something.
What be called, turning back.
e stood in the early light of down, halord in gold
“t’s nothing. “Eleanor said softly “You should go.
One lus silhouette vanished into the distance, she stepped into the carnage and told the driver
“Let’s go
The wheels rolled forward The city blurred behind her
From within her cloak, she drew out the token of his oath Roland’s guard insignia
With a quiet snap, she broke it in two and tossed it out the window
It landed among the gravel, and was gone
