Esme – POV
Edward's words linger in my mind, heavy with worry.
I keep my eyes fixed on the window, waiting for Liam to walk through the door.
When it finally opens again, my heart lifts—only to drop when I see Rower standing there instead.
"Empress Esme." He bows politely. "King Liam had to leave with Duke Ethan to attend urgent matters. He asked me to deliver the message that you should depart for the Western Lands without him."
And just like that, he's gone.
I'm angry—not just because Liam isn't coming, but because he didn't have the courtesy to tell me himself. Instead, he sends Rower with the news. I rise from the armchair and make my way down the corridor. My luggage is being loaded into a carriage. Lendra is there too, passing her small bags to a soldier. Even Lily is ready to come with me.
"Good morning, my lady," Lily says with a bow.
