Сhapter 163

Eric POV

I woke with a heavy head and heavier heart. The sun had barely risen over the towers, a bleak haze clinging to the windows like frost. I ran my fingers through my hair, willing the fog in my mind to clear. Servants moved quietly through my chamber, lighting incense to drive away last night’s stale perfume and my spilled whiskey.

“Beta Elijah is back,” my personal servant whispered during breakfast, a smirk on his lips. “He came with a girl.”

A girl. My curiosity had burned all morning.

I left my chamber, ignoring the maid trying to fix my collar as I stalked down the marble halls. It felt too quiet lately, as if everyone was holding their breath for something terrible to happen. I needed laughter today, something easy, something that made sense.

I found myself knocking