The visitors didn't ask her questions, but somehow, the absence of the prince told them it had fallen through.
Would the marriage be annulled?
It was derogatory for a woman to be divorced. There would be no place for someone like her then.
"My lady, I'll take you back to your chambers." Stella solemnly stepped into the chamber. She could hardly hide her sympathy.
Rain stood still as though she hadn't heard her. "The prince. I waited but… He must despise me so."
Her dense lashes lowered to look at the maidservant as if urging her to speak.
"His Highness came my lady. You were asleep."
***
Until evening, Rain waited on the prince's return to the castle. He'd set out with his men in the early hours of the morning, long before cock crow she'd been told, and was yet to return.
She lounged in the barren garden grounds till the sun nearly withered her skin.
