Chapter 135: The Shape of What Awaits
Lyria's POV
Duke Thorncrest laughed again.
It was not loud, nor was it cruel. If anything, there was something almost effortless about it, as though amusement came to him as easily as breathing. I found myself noticing it more than I intended.
He turned slightly toward Baron Redwick, one brow lifting in faint amusement.
"It seems," he said lightly, "that Her Highness finds our words rather difficult to believe."
Baron Redwick adjusted his spectacles with a small, practiced motion, his gaze settling on me.
"That would appear to be the case," he said. "She looks quite… astonished."
I felt my face grow warm again.
"I—" I hesitated, then forced myself to speak properly. "I-it is n-not that I d-do not b-believe y-you, m-my l-lords, but…"
My fingers tightened faintly against the fabric of my dress.
