s meant to be a "serious" discussion. The gleam of morning sunlight streamed through the lace curtains, casting golden shadows on th

atly, lifting the drawing li

tely at her lips. "He's a good man. His father is a wealthy mercha

. "I'm sure he's wealthy.

long because I'm patient.' "You asked for a suitor far from the capital. Someone who could help yo

onto the settee dramatically. "Spare a thought for my future children. Wha

re it swung open. Elina stepped inside, radiant and

, setting her teacup down. "Maybe

g every suitor you present

Scheuer replied with the air of s

ober and draping an arm around her shoulders. "Honestly, it

be like you," Sc

Well, I'll leave you two lovebirds to your matchmaking. S

anced at Scheuer. "You don't really

At this point, I expect you

olerating ugly men," October quippe

ink you have the luxury of being picky right now? You've been back in this castle for

off to a man who looks like he's

and keeps you safe, I don't care

eyes. "You didn't u

replied coolly. "You're not the only one

d bigger problems than

he thought it was some cruel afterlife joke-a punishment for a life already filled with heartbreak and b

just disliked.

cée-a crime she didn't commit. Her own twin sister, May, along with the venomous Anna-Marie, would be the ones to frame her. Witnesse

er escape when the royal knights arrived. Scheuer and the Duke had fought to prove her innocence, bringing forth every r

empted to incite a revolt. It failed. She was assassinated by a knight sent by the

their titles, the Windsor estate dismantled

of two sisters and the ind

f greed," Isabella-no, October-whispered as she sat by her

t tighter. This time, t

n't sit quietly and hope someone would sa

Build a life. Become financially independent. And when I'm strong en

llies. Her sisters, Elina an

-

deep in discussion over estate matters-something about the

nd gave a bright smile.

xpression unreadable

g back in her chair. "What brings you here

October replied honestl

said, though her tone was cauti

ard. "Sister Scheuer

er asked, pen hove

o find a

hing violently. Elina burst int

er asked, dabbing her l

Octobe

l, this is sudden.

replied. "I want to start over. Somewhere far from her

something?" Scheuer asked

something," October

whistle. "That was d

said, looking between them. "I want to build a life of my own

arms. "And what if this husband of yours

r said simply. "But I won't

eezed her hand. "I'll supp

nd nodded. "If this is what you truly want... I'll help you.

d hard, then nod

l smile. "Then let'

from her shoulders. It was only the

ouldn't let hist