Audrey sat at her desk and began to write. Her hand was steady, but her heart was thumping.
Her mind kept drifting back to dinner. She kept seeing how Austin had looked at Alina across the hall, how he had stood up and spoken against her, and how everyone had turned against her.
To His Majesty,
I write to you not as a daughter seeking favour, but as a loyal subject fulfilling her duty. There are certain matters at Ravenmoor that need your immediate attention.
The Duke of Ravenmoor has involved himself with a foreign woman of unknown origin. Her influence over him has compromised his judgment. He has put her above the alliance you arranged and has humiliated me publicly.
I request an inquiry into his conduct and her removal from his household.
Audrey
She read the letter once, then sealed it. She did not mention Arcasedia. That card was too valuable to play yet. The petition was enough for now.
"Send it right now," she said to the servant waiting at the door.
