Lucille

In the dining room, seated beside my husband, I worked to maintain my façade—my posture straight, my expression even, and my attention on Queen Anne. After all, with the five of us present, including the king and queen, I wouldn’t say the act was easy, discussing tomorrow’s blessing as Isabella glared from the queen’s side.

Hours ago, when Isabella appeared at the door of Roman’s and my apartments, I sensed the tension ...