Aurora stood among the others, watching as Lady Katherine's carriage rolled away. The once-formidable woman now appeared far more subdued than when she had first arrived at the palace.
"Goodbye, Mother," Charlotte murmured under her breath, her voice barely above a whisper.
Stephen stepped closer to Aurora and drew her aside. "Do you wish to attend Marianna's execution?"
Aurora met his gaze and gave a firm nod. "Without question," she replied.
Stephen inclined his head slightly, as if weighing her answer, before turning back to the others.
"The carriages are ready, Your Majesty," a servant announced, his head bowed.
It seemed the entire court would be in attendance, even Bathsheba.
"I shall ride with Aurora," Stephen declared abruptly, grasping Aurora's hand and leading her toward the waiting carriage.
