"Where have you been?" demanded Duchess Luci of her youngest daughter as Lily walked into her house humming happily after a full night's sleep and breakfast.
Two groomsmen had accompanied her since the Prince's staff had somehow realized they were to be married soon. The head housekeeper had insisted that Lily take not one but two groomsmen for security purposes. The future empress would not be harmed on her watch.
"You've been away the entire night and all of yesterday, Lily such things simply aren't done! I've let your father raise you as he's seen fit but have you any idea what sort of scandal you're about to bring on us?" Luci's voice rose with each word she spoke.
"Not just one night mother!" Helaine exclaimed as she emerged form the shadows. "I saw her sneak off the other nigh
