Celeste’s confinement order reached the courtyard before Evelyn finished checking her weapons.
Two crown guards crossed the palace toward the eastern apartments.
No servant followed them.
No messenger left ahead of them.
For the first time since Nora’s family disappeared, Celeste could not move another person with a sealed piece of paper.
Evelyn tightened the strap beneath her injured shoulder.
Albert stood beside the waiting horses, dressed for the road rather than court.
“You do not need to come,” she said.
“My officer is entering a noble property under my authority.”
“Your officer is observing.”
“And I will remain outside the perimeter.”
The answer preserved the command structure they had agreed upon.
Evelyn accepted it.
Twelve Vesper soldiers rode with them beneath plain c
