Chapter 145: The Answer That Must Not Tremble
Lyria's POV
Baron Redwick did not look away from me as he spoke.
"It is quite obvious," he said, his tone measured, "to anyone with eyes, that the royal family is displeased that you are no longer a shadow."
The words settled between us with quiet certainty.
I felt them more than I reacted to them.
Duke Thorncrest did not interrupt this time. He simply watched, his gaze shifting briefly toward me before returning to the baron, as though he were allowing the thought to stand on its own.
Baron Redwick exhaled softly, as if setting the matter aside by will rather than resolution.
"However," he continued, giving a slight shake of his head, "this is not the time to dwell on such considerations."
His attention sharpened again, returning fully to me.
"Your Highness," he said, "I am going to ask you something."
I straightened slightly without meaning to.
