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She’d acted strangely before, but she could pretend it was because of what she witnessed.

Her eyes fell upon the room.I am out of time.

She realised she’d been out of time since he set his dangerous sights on her. Valerie spent the night reining in her fears, her apprehension, her worry.

I know what I must do.

Geryon spent the day by Bradwick’s side while he remained with the court.

This was his final day with the ladies before he had to decide which one he would offer his hand in marriage to. At the end of tomorrow, he would have to tell them of his decision, and those he hadn’t selected would leave.

Bradwick was still uncertain. He would spend time in court with the ladies before taking each one on a stroll like he had been for most of their stay.

It meant Geryon could be near Lady Cecily, and he’d been watching her.

When she arrived with Lady Victoria, she appeared worn, like she hadn’t slept much, but she hadn’t been out of sorts like when he last saw her. A heaviness had been weighing in his chest throughout the night. He hadn’t liked her fear of him.

Geryon felt terrible about frightening her.

Like she often did, she surprised him. Rather than the averted gaze he expected, she nodded her head in greeting with a small smile from a distance.

Because they were not able to speak, she showed him her apprehension of him was short-lived.She still wears the ribbon.She hadn’t removed it, and that heaviness in his chest lifted. He’d grinned, looking away from her so that others wouldn’t know she was the cause.

He’d received further explanation when he followed her and Bradwick strolling.

“You did not return to the ball last night,” Bradwick said with a look of concern.

“My apologies, your Highness. I was caught off-guard by witnessing such a sight.” She gave him a reassuring pat on the arm. “I have never seen anyone be killed before.”

She had wanted to see the dungeon, so I thought she was used to seeing things not for the faint of heart.

“Do you wish for me to send Geryon away?” They looked behind them at him.

She gave a shake of her head when they turned their gazes forward once more. “No, he is fine. I am actually rather thankful for him; he protected me.”

His chest swelled proudly.Does she think I did it to save her?Was that why she was wearing the red ribbon again?

Bradwick nodded while he brought his hand up to cup his chin. “Yes, he did mention to me he questioned you because he saw you were grabbed.”

“I was really frazzled at the time. I think I may have given him a fright with my behaviour.” There was a forced laugh, but he knew Cecily often did that with Bradwick. “Once I had time to process, I felt rather ashamed of my behaviour.”

“A woman’s heart can be quite fragile.” This time, he patted her arm. “I have had to comfort the other ladies as well.”

“I thought as much,” she sighed, turning her gaze to look at the grounds of the palace. “I do not know if you are aware, your Highness, but I adore Lady Wyetta. I wanted to visit her chambers once I calmed.”

“Why did you not then? She has told me you two are fast friends. I am sure she would have appreciated your comfort.”

She shook her head. “I cannot just invite myself to someone else’s chambers. It is not respectful.”

Bradwick gave a frown, not understanding, since he often did what he pleased. “How so?”

“I have been taught I must be invited to such places. It is why sometimes I do not attend the court functions when I feel I have not been personally invited. They hold teas, but I am unsure if they are open to all, in the same way we feast only with those at night who have been invited to dinner.”

There was a long silence while Bradwick thought hard on this. “I did not know you felt this way.”

“Of course. I spent an evening with Savannah when she invited me to her suite to play games and speak of some feminine things, but I would not have done so if she had not invited me.” She looked down to watch their feet. “My mother taught me all the ways of being a proper lady. I am also private and have been taught to be discreet with my actions. It is why some people are often confused by me. I do not like the gossip here. I would prefer to keep my actions hidden.” She gave a smile. “Except for Lady Victoria. She really is a lovely lady-in-waiting. I trust her implicitly.”

“It appears your mother has taught you too well,” Bradwick grumbled with a shake of his head. “I am relieved you are feeling much better after the night’s events.”