Astrid burst through the door, her eyes shining with excitement and concern. "Mother, I heard Lady Riona has returned!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with urgency.
The duchess looked up from her seat, a hint of surprise on her face. "Ah, Astrid, yes. Lady Riona has indeed returned. But please, calm down. Where is she?" Astrid asked again, her voice rising in desperation as she scanned the room, her eyes searching for any sign of her dear friend.
The duchess's expression softened as she rose from her seat, her hands extended in a calming gesture. "Astrid, dear, calm down," the duchess said, placing a soothing hand on her daughter's arm. "Lady Riona is currently sleeping. Duke Ashbourne is with her."
But Astrid's concern only deepened. "Mother, when I returned, I saw blood in the entrance. Did someone die or was someone injured?" Her voice trembled with worry.
