“The betrothal is annulled.”

  Even the way he referred to it was as if it didn’t involve him at all, a casual remark like merely passing on a message from someone else. There was to it at all, yet her entire world shifted beh her feet, sturdy ground being quid, already pulling her in.

  However, she showed ion. Her hand holding the teacup didn’t so much as pause, taking another sip of tea with the elegance drilled into her, perfectly calm as she sat in the eye of the storm. Or rather, she knew herself to be the storm.

  “I presume Sir does not speak such things without reason,” she said, wearing a soft smile that tread the liwee and sour.

  His eyes lingered on it a moment, uo dis which side of the li fell on. Standing up, he turned his back to her, a long breath spilling out. “Pray make this break —or do not and make this matter easy to tidy up, no one willing to e to your aid.”

  She almost ughed, his attempt at a threat adorable; however, she had to adjust, no longer in the position to dote on him as such.

  Putting doweacup, her gaze slid across the room. To think he would make su annou in front of the staff. If it was only his butler, that would be uandable, but there were even kit maids present, tending to the snacks.

  A smirk tugged at the er of her mouth. She hoped the King had been involved with this decision—or not, the Prince’s situation no longer any of hers. In which case, well, was there ao show passion?

  “Is it something I did? Am I in any way g?” she asked, her voiow gentle.

  “In what ways are you not? This matter should have resolved upon your father’s death, yet we showed you mercy. Do you io repay that mercy with insolence?”

  Bowing her head, she said, “Of course”—her lips curled—“not.”

  A moment of silence passed, then his footsteps echoed in the room, quieter and quieter as they trailed away from her, until finally the rge door opened and shut. She took a deep breath, then raised her head. This room of marble and mahogany, of intricate rugs and splendid paintings, carefully curated by herself over the years, would be one she wouldn’t see again.

  At least, not for a while.