Ethan froze and muttered a curse under his breath.
He felt the footsteps draw closer, straightened himself, and turned, masking his nerves with an indifferent expression.
“Beta Ethan, what are you doing this late in Rose’s room?” Grace’s voice carried a sharp accusation as she stepped closer, her eyes filled with disapproval.
“My lady… I just brought her to her room,” he replied, keeping his tone steady.
“Why do you need to escort her to her room?” Grace pressed, her tone dripping with contempt.
“She… she wasn’t feeling well,” he answered, glancing away, unwilling to admit the truth—that Rose had been drunk, and he had been with her the whole time.
A brief silence hung in the air before Grace spoke again. “Listen, Ethan. You’re a good man, but Rose is engaged. She’s about to marry Co
