Chapter 2: The Only One Who Wasn't Surprised
The nobleman's voice cracked as he whispered her name again — barely audible, as if saying it too loud might make her disappear.
The maid stood perfectly still.
No tears.
No smile.
Just those calm, steady eyes watching him fall apart in front of everyone.
"How…" he started.
"We were told you were d*ad."
"I know," she said quietly.
"You were meant to believe that."
The noblewoman scrambled to her feet, her crimson dress twisted, her composure gone.
She looked between the maid and the nobleman, and something shifted in her face — not guilt.
Fear.
"Edmund, don't listen to her," she snapped.
"She's a servant.
Whatever she's told you, it's a lie."
Edmund didn't look at her.
He couldn't take his eyes off the ring.
"That crest," he breathed.
"Father had that made for you.
There was only one.
Ever."
The maid closed her fingers slowly around the ring.
"Then you already know who I am," she said.
"The question is — who told you I was gone?
And why did you believe them without ever looking for me?"
Edmund's face went white.
Across the room, an older woman in a silver gown had not moved since the moment the ring appeared.
She stood frozen near the far wall, one gloved hand pressed flat against her chest.
May you like
She was the only one in the room who wasn't surprised.
😶
