Esme returned to the front of the building, and her gaze settled on Donovan, who stood near the entrance. Just beyond him, on the opposite side, were Lady Arabella, and her daughter, Marissa. Lady Arabella greeted Esme with a faint smile, a strange warmth flickering in her blue eyes.
But Marissa's expression was unusually somber– a stark contrast to her usual demeanor.
Donovan shifted his weight off the doorframe, and he spoke first. "She came to me, wanting to see you before you leave for the palace," he said, his tone neutral, but carrying an undertone of observation. "I need to go over everything again to make sure there are no complications along the way. That should give you more than enough time to speak with them."
