Leontis turned to his mother.
She trembled with rage. "You dare suspect me? Your father was taken from us so young. I bore this house alone. I raised you with every drop of strength I had."
Leontis knew her well. For all her dislike of Ismerie, she would never have harmed the grandson she had longed for so many years.
His gaze shifted to Aveline. She was pale and trembling. Behind her, a young maid could no longer bear it.
She fell to her knees, sobbing aloud. "My Lord, the cursed doll was made by her own hand! She holds my sister in her power. She threatened to sell her to vile men if I spoke a single word. I beg you... spare us!" The young maid struck her forehead against the floor until blood streamed down her face.
Lady Thornecroft stared at Aveline in stunned disbelief.
The gent
