of Marcus Kane had shifted the dynamics of her strategy, forcing her to confront memories she had buried dee

d played a crucial role in her downfall, aligning himself with Edmond and Lúcia when the scales had tipped against her.

nds were alive with activity as servants bustled about, preparing for another day.

her reverie. "Enter," sh

dger and a stack of correspondence. "My lady, I've compiled the information you requ

ds. She flipped through the pages, her eyes scanning the entri

ve gone missing, and our merchants report increased band

instruct our merchants to remain vigilant. I want a full investigation

my lady. There is another m

Elaine said, her

ival at the banquet was unexpected, to say the least. He's

nary. His loyalty is bought, not earned. For now, we watch him cl

"Understood, my lady. I'll ens

t estate's library was a testament to her family's legacy, filled with volumes on trade, diplomacy, and

d her thoughts. "Lady El

ay, his expression one of practiced concern. H

asking her unease. "W

, approaching her slowly. "You've bee

nd of you, but I assure you, I'm

er façade. "You've always been so strong, Elaine. But even the

ad betrayed her so thoroughly? She maintained her composure, nodding

uch sending a shiver down her spine. "Y

appreciate that," she said, her voice steady. "Now,

en nodded. "Of cours

holding. She couldn't let her guard down, not even for a moment.

in the drawing room, the flickering light of the fireplace casting shadows o

lately," Lúcia said, her tone ligh

aine replied, her voice measured. "But I'm curious ab

e. I've been enjoying the finer things in life. Though I must admit

fully. "Perhaps we should remedy that. Afte

adable. "I'd like that," she said. "It's

w she was walking a tightrope, but she couldn't afford to show any weakness. Lúcia was

her alliances, secured her trade routes, and gathered intelligence on h

ne agreed, though she felt a knot of apprehension in her chest.

id, inclining his head.

eplied, her voice cool.

spers of trouble on your trade routes. Bandits, sabo

well aware of the risks, Captain. But the D'Armont

onfidence. But if you ever need assista

sure," Elaine sa

urse. Nothing in th

that in mind, Captain. Now, if yo

member, Lady Elaine-sometimes, the most val

was a man of many secrets, and she couldn't shake the feeling th

was fraught with danger, but she was determined to forge her own destiny. Her

ctim of their schemes. This time

eginning, and Elain