I watched Piper with mixed feelings.
I did not want her to carry such a crushing burden, yet part of me hoped she would truly grasp the signet.
Piper scrambled excitedly across the table, drooling as she patted each object in turn.
At last, her left hand caught a yellowed envelope while her right closed firmly around the private signet.
Julian's eyes lit up. Delight spread across his face, and he burst into laughter.
The guests looked at one another before erupting into obliging applause and praise.
I took the old envelope from her left hand and opened it in confusion.
I did not remember placing it there. Everything on the table had been prepared in advance, and I had personally inspected every item.
The yellowed paper slowly unfolded.
My gaze froze. My heart began to pound so vio
