Lucille
Lady Buckingham and Lord Avery were waiting as Roman and I entered the parlor, connecting our two suites. Their appropriate greetings came with a curtsy and a bow. If I'd had any doubt that the uncharacteristic affection earlier in the evening was an anomaly, the walk back to our apartments in silence reminded me of our reality. At no point did my husband attempt to make contact, verbal or physical. No hand in the small of my back. No reaching for my hand. Not even a word.
With my focus on the doorway to the left, the entrance to my private suite, I stilled at Roman's next decree to my mistress and his attendant.
“Leave us."
My gaze met Lady Buckingham's. There was no avoiding whatever was about to happen. I could wish the crown prince into his Jekyll personality, but that w
