Sonia’s POV
Later, after the initial storm of concern had passed, Clara asked to speak with me alone.
Alexander hesitated.
I squeezed his hand gently.
“It’s okay,” I said.
He released me reluctantly.
Clara led me into the smaller sitting room at the east wing of the house. The curtains were drawn there, the lighting warm and subdued. It felt like a place meant for secrets.
She sat beside me.
Not across from me.
Beside me.
A deliberate choice.
“I watched the world turn on or protect people for decades,” she said softly. “Power is not loud at first. It arrives quietly, dressed as admiration.”
I listened without interrupting.
“You were loved privately,” she continued, “and now you are being loved publicly. Those are very different kinds of love.”
Her hand found mine.
“Alexander
