XAVIER’S POV
I didn’t go to her immediately.
That would have been too easy.
Too expected.
Instead, I let the house settle.
Let the guards move.
Let the orders take effect.
If there was anything else hidden—
it would shift now.
I stood by the window in my study, watching the grounds below. The sun had started to dip, casting long shadows across the field. Everything looked calm from here.
Controlled.
A lie.
A soft knock came at the door.
“Enter.”
Yuli stepped in, closing the door behind him.
“She’s in her room,” he said. “Hasn’t left since you gave the order.”
Of course she hadn’t.
“Anyone with her?”
“No.”
I nodded once.
Good.
I turned away from the window, grabbing my coat from the chair without another word.
“You’re going now?” Yuli asked.
“Yes.”
He didn’t try to s
