"Duchess, may I come in?" A maid's knock shattered the Duchess Bernice's solitude. "Come!" the Duchess called, suspicion lacing her voice.
"Duchess, I've come for Duke Alexavier's belongings," the maid explained, bowing her head. "Belongings? Didn't he come to stay?" the Duchess frowned, confusion blooming on her face.
"I have no idea, Duchess. I was ordered to move his things back to his chamber, merely following orders," the maid replied, efficiently packing the Duke's belongings, fueling the Duchess's simmering anger.
"Everything's gathered. With your leave, I'll be going now," the maid said, offering another bow before slipping out. Alone again, the Duchess slammed her fist against the wall, her features contorted in fury. "Always the same! He waltzes in and out at will, leaving me to play the dutiful wife. Does he think I'm some guard dog, waiting at his whim?" she thundered, her voice echoing in the opulent room.
