Chapter 149

The Empress had tried to keep it quiet — but Marcella's dramatic appearance at Solara Palace ensured that Anton's disappearance spread through the social circles within days.

"Where on earth could he have gone?"

"I have no idea. Nothing from Marquess Liesa either."

Truthfully — I didn't particularly care where he had gone. What mattered was that Anton had finally left the Palace, and there was no one left who could meaningfully stand in my way.

"He'll be fine wherever he is. He clings to his own comfort too fiercely to let anything serious happen to him."

I shrugged and stepped out of the room. Friedrich fell into step beside me.

"Are you certain you don't want me to accompany you?"

"Do you honestly think you'd be welcomed at the door?"

He considered this, then had no answer.

"You keep forgetting who I am."

"I know who you are."

Friedrich…