restless sleep and unspoken dread. The ceiling above her felt too clos

r a moment, coun

n

w

re

ess, alive. It floated through the walls like music that d

ht bitterly. *Sasha al

erence between them wa

cream silk, her hair loose, her smile radia

aid, standing to adjust Sas

e and neatly pressed skirt. No one commented. Her pres

, I spoke to Aunt Eleanor last night," she said

ers paused ar

oked up, inte

rison is... quite different from what people expected. Cold

isely why a proper woman would be

Still, I don't think I'd suit someo

he subtle repositioning of responsi

s gaze slid

he said slowly,

anded like

t second before lowering her gaze. Adaptable. That

ther," s

eyes sharp. Regina knew that look. It was the look Sasha wore whe

-

essure became imp

family business*, her mother had said curtly over th

ted side by side, formal and composed. Sasha stood n

d just inside

for me," she

d to the chair opp

na o

made a decision," he began. "One tha

eady knew-somehow, she had always

contractual marriage," her mo

sha?" she asked, though the answer

wly from the win

were sof

t," Sasha said gently. "And Father agr

ething crack in

turned to her. "You

m went

echoing over and over in her h

red. She swallowed.

r mother said coolly. "

her lap. "You want me to ma

es

know noth

es

d. "This is not a discussi

was sure they could hear it. "Wh

r mother replied dismissivel

f

ation slipping through her com

. "It's not personal, Reg

al

tasted

rrying burdens," Sasha added s

before she entered the room. Her role had already bee

dded s

oice barely above a wh

something inside h

-

endlessly below. Somewhere out there was Damian Harrison-the man

n his face. Never

rum

o

ger

ucha

faint scent of rain. Regina wrapped her arms a

vive this*,

ter, more

on't remain m

he city ligh

uietly beg