Chapter 85

• Rose's POV
• I slipped from the courtyard toward the heavy oak of Father’s chamber with the same slow, measured steps I used as a child when I had snuck out to the river—except now each step felt like walking toward a cliff. Two guards rose as I approached the short flight of steps and fell into a polite, automatic attention. They did not block me like sentries guarding treasure; they stood there with the awkwardness of people who knew the thing they were about to do would hurt me.
• “Lady Rose,” the older one said, voice low. “The Alpha asked not to be disturbed.” That was all he offered—no sermon, no argument—just the fact, thin as a blade.