The corridor was dim, its torches flickering low as Elise made her way toward the servant's quarters. Her steps were uncertain, echoing faintly against the stone walls of Lucien's estate. The quiet was unnerving but she remembered Beatrice's instructions.
"Flushed cheeks. Alone. Leaving the prince's room."
A simple whisper. No need to prove anything.
She found Mira, one of the kitchen maids, leaning against a barrel, sipping tea from a cracked cup.
"Mira," Elise began, voice hushed but urgent, "you won't believe what I saw earlier."
The kitchen maid perked up instantly Mira was known to carry tales as if they were fresh loaves. "What is it?"
"I saw Lady Liora leaving Prince Lucien's room. She was...blushing. Her lips were swollen. I'm not saying anything but....."
"But you are," Mira said with wide eyes. "Gods, that's juicy. I thought the prince hated women."
