He stood by the window drinking a goblet of wine. It was early for wine, but he craved it terribly.
Miss Stenly was coming to offer him a formal invitation to her farce of a marriage. His mouth tightened - as if he would attend.
Maybe, he just might.
And her name was Claire.
The sound of neighing horses and wheels scratching over the cobblestones drew his undivided attention.
The sky seemed sad after weeping through the whole night. No ray of sunlight shone through.
"Your Grace, young Lord Straught and his betrothed to see you." Andon called at the entrance of his receiving chambers.
He hadn't entertained the idea of receiving guests in the throne room - it sounded childish and mediocre.
The boy emerged through the doorway first. The tension in his handsome face was obvious to any onlooker.
Then, she walked in. He set his goblet on the table and walked forward. Something in his stomach tightened.
