Outside the study entrance, Sterling could hear the delicate jingling sounds of Faye's anklet and the soft pattering of her bare feet as she roamed around the corridor.
All conversation in the study ceased as the mages watched the Duke stand up from his chair. His eyebrows were drawn together in concern as he proceeded to open the door.
The Duke's eyes grew still as he observed Faye wandering aimlessly through the hall.
"Sniff…"
He heard her sniffle and watched as Faye raised her arm to wipe something from her face on the sleeve of her nightgown. He was curious why she was out of their bed.
"Faye?" he asked, with a low, soothing voice. He made his way from the entrance of his study towards where she stood motionless in the hall.
She had her back turned towards him, so that he couldn't see her face, but he noticed Faye's fists were tightly clenched. Sterling pondered what was causing her such distress.
