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“What do you mean ye can’t find her?” Killian’s voice dropped, edged with urgency.

“I… I thought she went to her chambers, but she’s not there,” the governess stammered, her hands trembling.

Killian turned on his heel, barking orders at the butler and several footmen. “Search the gardens and stables. Now!”

CHAPTER 16

“We’ll cover the rest of the house,” Yvette told Killian, her voice steadier than she felt.

They split up, checking room after room in tense, desperate silence.

With every passing minute, Yvette’s anxiety deepened. Memories of Maisie’s tear-streaked face haunted her, making her fear the worst.

After what felt like an eternity, Yvette entered the dimly lit library, her last hope.

She strained to listen, her breath hitching as she heard a faint, muffled sniffle from the far corner.

“Maisie?” Yvette whispered, her voice cracking.

Another soft sound guided her toward a large wooden shelf near the window.

Dropping to her knees, she peeked beneath it—and there, huddled in the shadows, was Maisie, her small frame trembling with quiet sobs.

Yvette’s heart shattered.

“Found you,” she whispered gently.

Maisie’s head snapped up, her tear-streaked face crumpling with relief. “You found me…”

Yvette reached out, pulling the trembling girl into her arms and holding her tightly.

“I was so worried about you.”

Maisie clung to her, her tiny fingers digging into Yvette’s gown.

“I know… Papa is mad at me,” the girl sniffed.

Yvette’s throat tightened as she stroked Maisie’s hair. “He’s not mad at you, darling. He just… doesn’t always know how to show how much he cares.”

Maisie sniffled, her breath hitching. “I just… I just wanted him to laugh.”

“Oh, sweetheart…” Yvette murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

Maisie’s sobs softened as Yvette gently wiped her tears.

Hoping to lift her spirits, she asked, “Do you like reading?”

Maisie hesitated, then nodded slowly. “A little…”

Yvette smiled, reaching for a nearby book. “Shall I read to you?”

Maisie nodded again, her expression wary but hopeful.

Settling against the shelf, Yvette opened the book and began to read aloud.

Slowly, Maisie relaxed, curling up against her side as the soothing rhythm of Yvette’s voice filled the quiet library, chasing away the lingering shadows of fear and doubt.

Killian paced the grand entrance hall, his jaw clenched, his fingers raking through his already disheveled hair for the fifth time that night.