Lucille
In the dining room, seated beside my husband, I worked to maintain my façade—my posture straight, my expression even, and my attention on Queen Anne. After all, with the five of us present, including the king and queen, I wouldn't say the act was easy, discussing tomorrow's blessing as Isabella glared from the queen's side.
Hours ago, when Isabella appeared at the door of Roman's and my apartments, I sensed the tension in the air.
The duchess arrived as I was finishing my midday meal.
“Princess Isabella is here to see you," Lady Buckingham announced.
“Tell her I'm resting—"
Before I could complete my response, Isabella pushed the door farther open and stepped inside the apartment. “Will you truly turn me away after all these years?"
Sighing, I nodded to Lady Buckingham, a
