Izan's jaw tightened, but he said nothing. There were no words that could lighten Marius's grief or explain Viviana's choices. With a brief nod, he turned and left the terrace, his boots echoing against the stone floor as he descended the grand staircase.
Lord Marius remained on the terrace, his back straight despite the turmoil roiling within him. His steward stood a few paces behind, hands clasped tightly as if afraid to speak.
Marius's gaze followed the departing figure of Prince Izan as he descended the grand staircase leading to the courtyard. His lips pressed into a thin line, and his shoulders sagged slightly, betraying the weight of his shame.
In the courtyard, the scene was chaotic. Lady Viviana's sharp voice carried across the space as she struggled against the firm grip of Jaxon and Dillion. The carriage that was supposed to take her discreetly to the dungeon, stood waiting. Viviana, however, refused to make things easy.
