den silence of the study. Eleonora's m

s expression unreadabl

from trembling. "I had assumed... you would

d. The immense pressure in the room seemed to lessen slightly. "Your off

she could cling to. He was allowing her to bel

and, and began to write on a fresh sheet of parchment. "There ar

begun to slow, seized agai

he internal affairs of the Vanderbilt household wil

e... complex. But I trust a woman who can command s

s a vote of confidence. Sh

role of my wife. This means any disrespect shown to you

et hers. "You will not be required to endure any sligh

No one had ever spoken of p

gions in the North. I am rarely in the capi

Every term was stacked in

whispered. "Why... why a

es to be well-equipped. I require an ally who can manage

ly believable. It settled her fears. She was

red silently at his side. "Rook. Take this to the palace immediately. Pre

oyal decree would make the un

"You have troubles that need to

. In his presence, she f

wind of shock and dawning relief. The carriage ri

the estate's butler ran out to m

ornelius, and the family elders are here! They've called a family c

eonora's warmt

res were

me, she was

nd stepped out of the carriage. She walked tow

he shadow of Ironwood C