The weight of last night still clung to her, pressing down on her bones like something tangible. She sat up slowly, her body sluggish, her mind still tangled in the questions she had spent the night asking herself.
What else had she missed?
How much of the story had been hidden from Johanna's perspective?
And more importantly, how much danger was she truly in?
A sharp knock at the door yanked her from her thoughts.
Lily entered before she could respond, carrying a tray of breakfast and already looking exasperated.
"You look awful," she declared.
"Good morning to you too," Beatrice muttered, rubbing her temples.
Lily set the tray down and folded her arms. "I heard about Lord De Silva."
Beatrice stilled.
Of course, she had known the rumors would spread. Court gossip traveled faster than wildfire, but she hadn't expected to be dealing with it before she'd even left her room.
"Is it true?" Lily watched her carefully.
Beatrice forced a light scoff.
