MADELINE’S POV

Madeline's ears perked up as she overheard the gossip from the two maids beside her.

They were all in the kitchen, washing dishes together, and the maids appeared to be conversing without her.

She didn't mind that they hadn't included her; instead, she raised her shoulders protectively as she listened to them discuss Lord Darius's impending arrival.

Lord Darius's arrival in two days was no longer breaking news to her, but it was rather unusual that he was arriving so ...