Chapter 11 Testing Loyalty

• Lady Lydia's chambers had always been a sanctuary of sorts—filled with rare books, delicate glass instruments for her alchemical work, and the kind of comfortable chaos that spoke of an active mind. But as I entered at her invitation, something felt different. The books were organized too neatly, the instruments arranged with military precision rather than scholarly convenience.
• "Seraphina," she greeted me with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I was wondering when you'd come to see me. It's been days since we've had a proper conversation."
• "The wedding preparations have been consuming." I settled into the chair she indicated, noting how she positioned herself with clear sightlines to both the door and the window. "But I wanted to speak with you about something important."