I stood silently, watching the drama unfold before me.
Exeter raised an eyebrow, “Then... allow me to thank Miss Alyssa in advance.”
“Your Grace is too kind. Attending to guests is simply our duty as hosts,” Isabella said, the warmth in her voice seemingly thawing the frigid Northtown air. “Moreover, Alyssa adores the latest fashions from Reysland. It's her honor to speak with you.”
Alyssa curtsied to Owen and Isabella. “Father, Mother, the house by the garden is empty, isn't it? Perhaps the Duke could stay there. Since he'll be staying for a while, it would be more comfortable than the guest rooms.”
Isabella cast an approving glance at her daughter, then turned to Owen. “I think Alyssa's arrangement is excellent. Our estate isn't as grand as the Swording Dukedom, but we can certainly
