She stood and took a step back. "I just want to be alone."
Demian stared at her for a long moment, then turned away without another word. The bedroom door closed with a sound too sharp to be accidental.
In the corridor, Demian halted. "Sean."
Sean, who had been reviewing reports, looked up at once. "Your Grace?"
"What happened to Valerie?"
Sean hesitated. "I… don't know for certain."
"Call everyone assigned to her chambers."
Several servants gathered, their faces tense. Sera and Lira stood at the front, exchanging glances before Sera finally stepped forward.
"Your Grace," she said quietly, "before you returned… Lady Ivanka came."
The air around Demian seemed to freeze.
"And?" His voice dropped, dangerous.
"They spoke for quite some time," Lira added softly. "After that, Lady Valerie… changed. She didn't want to be touched, refused to eat, and asked us not to summon you."
Demian's fist clenched.
Ivanka.
Without another word, he turned and strode out of the castle.
