"The Duchess... she's gone!"
Ryan's blood ran cold. The Duchess.
"Gone?" he whispered, his mind reeling.
" Duchess… Cassandra. Where…where's she? Where's my wife? What happened?"
Davis shook his head, his eyes wide with fear. "She was in the gardens, just moments ago. I was checking up on her, she was talking to someone, I didn't see their face. Then... then she vanished. As if she simply disappeared into thin air."
Ryan's eyes, bloodshot with rage and fear, narrowed on Davis. He grabbed his aide by the collar, his grip like iron. "What do you mean she vanished into thin air? I specifically told you to watch and protect her. Where is my wife, Davis?"
Davis, his face pale and clammy, stammered, "We will find her, Your Grace."
Ryan's grip tightened. "If I don't see Cassandra by nightfall," he growled, his voice a low, menacing rumble, "your head will be separated from your body. Understand?"
