Elena’s POV

The walk to the front hall did not feel normal.

My mother and I had barely crossed the courtyard when I noticed the butler hurrying past us, his steps unusually quick as he guided several elderly figures toward the ancestral hall. More servants followed behind them, their expressions tight with urgency, and then came several members of the Kensington family who rarely appeared outside of important gatherings.

Everyone seemed tense.

I slowed my steps and glanced at my mother. ...