By midday, Emilia had heard the same whisper three times.
The first time, she had ignored it. The second time, she had convinced herself she had misunderstood.
The third time, she stopped walking.
Two maids were standing several feet ahead of her near the corridor windows, speaking quietly. The moment they noticed her, their conversation died. One lowered her head immediately while the other suddenly became very interested in straightening the tray in her hands.
Emilia stared at them for a moment. Neither dared look at her.
Her stomach tightened. She continued walking, but the words she had caught refused to leave her mind.
She still wants Kael.
Her fingers curled around the fabric of her sweater.
Of all the things they could accuse her of, that was the one thing she couldn't under
