ants. Victoria stood frozen in place, her gaze darting between Thomas's livid face and James, wh

his voice low but trembling with fury. "I'll gi

looks like," she started

sting a long shadow over her. "I walk in to find my wife alone in her c

pression defiant. "Your Grace, wi

is glare was icy, and his hand twitched at his si

ng between them. "Let us discuss this ca

, the Duchess of Sussex, has brought shame upo

voice firmer now. "And I'll not stand her

said, his voice quieter

ht salvage the situation, but the weight of the

d, stepping forward despite the clear danger.

o him, her eyes w

Your Grace. Any impropriety is my doing. If you se

of you," he said, his tone dripping with contempt. "Do you think th

you!" James said, his

"This man is willing to throw himself on the pyre for you. That much is clear. But

ng in the air like a noose. Victoria's throat

I

aid, his tone colder now. "Your sile

enched. "You will leave this e

orward, her voice desper

ze fixed on her. "This is my household,

s began, but Thoma

I'll have you removed by for

fore turning and leaving the room without another word. The sound o

is expression dark. "You've made a fool of me

hurt you," she said,

when the damage is alrea

-

absence was palpable, a gaping wound that refused to heal. Victoria moved thr

er one afternoon, h

pened," she said, closi

ia said bitterly. "The wall

her. "You should have been more caref

ollow. "I let my emotions cloud my ju

"Thomas hasn't cast you out. There's st

asked, her eyes filling with

strong, Victoria. You'll survive this. But you need to be cautious.

t felt heavy. "I don't know if I

You're Victoria Windsor, the Duche

-

Fanshawe. It was an event she could not avoid, despite her reluc

ned to her. Whispers rippled through the crowd, but

ching her with a saccharine smile

ia said coolly. "Thank y

to have you, though I must say, you've been the tal

who spread rumors often have little else to occupy their time. Pe

ickly recovered. "Always so witty, Vi

veiled barbs, but Victoria maintained her composure, r

-

Windsor Manor, Victoria found a note

cliffs at midnig

She hesitated, the weight of her earlier choices pressi

-

shing against the rocks below a haunting melody. James was

approached, his voice a mix

e," she said, he

, stepping closer. "Be

s. "It doesn't matter what I feel. This ca

said, his voice firm. "And I can

ars falling freely now. "W

er face in his hands. "I'd rather face the fir

ate, searing kiss, the wor

tsteps behind them s

e drawled. "Isn't th

er stepping out of the sha

re?" Victoria demanded

r said, his gaze flicking between her and

rn you," James said

us. "You see, I can't allow this little... tryst to

" Victoria said, he

've underestimated me before, Victori

king feeling settled in Victoria's chest. The stor

tened to con