ed awake on the chaise in her private sitting room. The soft embers of the dying fire crackled faintly in the hearth. She blinked, the event

k dressing gown clung to her skin, wrinkled and slightly askew. She rose slowly, her h

She rushed to adjust her gown, smoothin

ing in the scene with unsettling precision. "You look positive

toward the vanity to busy hersel

"Restless, indeed. Your hair is as tangl

" Victoria said quickly,

concern. "I know you far too well. Something happen

rs gripping the edge of the v

Catherine pressed,

gain, and Lord Thomas Windsor strode in, his expres

ng into a thin line. "As you wish, Your Grace," she said,

and the tension in th

ria began, but

is blue eyes piercing. "I've heard the whisper

in composed. "Whispers are just that-idle gossi

you think me a fool? I've seen the way he loo

said, her voice trembling. "

linch. "You're my wife, Victoria. The Duchess of Sussex. Do you have any

e this family," she said,

Because if I find out otherwise..." He let the threat hang

her hands trembling. The walls of her carefully constructed life wer

-

g the manicured hedges and blooming roses. The crisp winter air stung her cheeks

and turned to see James appro

," she said, her voice

plied, his gray eyes searchi

ted, her voice firm though her heart ach

e both comforting and dangerou

solve wavered under his gaze.

s voice heavy with regret. "But, Victoria,

esn't matter what you'd allow, James. The world we live in is crue

e the cold air. "You've built a gilded cage, Vic

voice trembling. "You don't un

stand," he said, st

They both turned to see Lord Alexander Windsor and Lady Elizabeth Fanshawe

ed, stepping back from Jam

htening before he nodded and

-

ing room was filled with the hum of polite conversation and the clinking of glasses. Victoria

as bold as the smirk on her lips. "My dear D

oria replied, her tone cool. "And

l me, how do you manage it? Keeping all the

you mean," Victoria

leaning in closer. "But don't worry. Y

she forced herself to remain calm. "Enjoy the e

brush against hers. She turned to see Alexander

talk," he

, glancing around to en

to the library, closin

low, "I don't know what's goin

worry about," she sa

tone sharper. "I can see it in

u, Alexander. Perhaps you should write a le

trying to help you," h

d your help,

er arm. "Yes, you do. Whatever you're c

ling. "You don't know anything a

nough to see that you're in trouble. An

her, and she turned away, unable

cto

she said, her voice

and left the room, leaving her al

head in her hands. The walls were closing in, and she didn't kn