Chapter 54

Adele's hand, clutching the torn edge of the cape, shook visibly.

"This is... a lie, isn't it?"

"Poor Adele."

"No..."

Adele's expression was pleading, as though begging him to say exactly that.

But Stone only smiled, strange and knowing, and leaned in to whisper at her ear.

"He's never coming back. Not ever."

Thud.

Adele's knees gave out — she had no strength left to stand. Tears were already spilling down her face before she knew it.

Watching her, Stone turned back to Jan and pleaded.

"Your Majesty, please — forgive her. See how she repents."

Jan looked down at Adele, kneeling on the frozen ground in tears, and gave a slow nod. To anyone watching, she looked exactly like a woman begging forgiveness in genuine repentance.

"A promise is a promise, so I will grant the Marquis's request. But hear this well, all of you: from this hour on,…