Author’s POV
Two days later, Richard summons Brittany to his office.
The room is cold despite the fire roaring in the hearth. Maps and ledgers have been cleared away; only a single chair waits in front of the wide oak desk. Brittany steps inside and Eleanor is not with her; Richard made sure of that.
He does not ask her to sit.
“You know why you’re here,” he says, voice flat.
Brittany folds her arms. “Because of her.”
“Because of choices,” Richard corrects. “Yours. Mine. And the consequences we now live with.”
He steps closer, towering over her.
“I gave Emma my word. Eleanor is cut off completely: no money, no title, no place in this pack. Ever. That part is done.”
Richard’s gaze hardens. “But you are my blood. For that reason alone, and out of mercy I’m not sure you deser
