DuCoumont Manor was a massive, sprawling structure, built to handle dozens of lords visiting with hundreds of knights and their retinues. Its grounds included neatly manicured gardens, a carefully curated hedge maze, stables for warhorses and racing horses alike, and more than a dozen outbuildings dedicated to household staff and the administration of the county.
To the people of DuCoumont, it was a glittering jewel of whitewashed stone walls and powder blue roof tiles that represented the power and prestige of their lord. To Maela, it was the home she'd grown up in and still visited whenever she could.
By the time the carriage carrying her and Marcel reached the grand entrance of the manor, pages had already carried word of their arrival, and a familiar figure stood waiting to receive them.
