XIII
The estate was still bustling with energy despite Adrien’s absence. Isabelle managed the servants easily and daily life continued without a hitch. While time continued on without Lord Markov to keep watch of my every move, I began to pack a bag of necessities for my travels to Anastas. I was nervous to make the trip alone, but I saw it as a necessity to maintain word getting out to Adrien. He seemed to have the undying loyalty of every person in his servitude and I trusted he’d know within a day’s time.
I finished preparations two days following his departure, hiding my belongings beneath my bed to not raise suspicions as the servants came and went. I wondered what to do with my last evening in the estate. With nothing left to lose, I took a gamble.
As I knocked on the door to her
