Katherine’s POV
A week passed before the headaches finally stopped. The ringing in my ears faded until it was only a dull echo, and the healer said my balance had returned. He looked relieved to get rid of me, and I didn’t blame him. I left without a word and found Rowan waiting at the palace steps.
“You look better,” he said.
“Good,” I answered. “We’re not delaying this.”
He nodded and walked with me toward the car waiting outside. Two palace guards followed, straight-faced and silent, and the driver held the back door open. Rowan climbed in first, then I followed. The ride to Lord Dawson’s manor was smooth, the roads quieter than usual because most of the nobles were heading to one ball or another. Stephen was busy with whatever political meeting he had scheduled, so he wouldn’t noti
