---- 374.


    BAD NEWS KATHERINE "She''s innocent! You have to believe me, I need to see the Duke, I beg you! The ducal carriage! Your Eminence, please, listen to me!" "Stop, you crazy woman! Dont you dare approach Her Ladyship!" Themotion reached my earsthe desperate cries and shouts of awoman.


    Lopened the door and leaned out.


    There she was, just a few meters awaya young woman, restrained by two guards, pinned to the dusty ground with her hands bound.


    "stop this!" I shouted, grabbing my dress and nearly leaping down the carriage steps.


    I stormed forward, furious.


    No matter the circumstances, no woman should be treated like this.


    "Your Ladyship, she is the daughter of the traitorous butler!" one of the guards holding her informed me "My father is innocent, Your Grace, I beg you! Just a few minutes of your time could save an innocent man!" she struggled, breaking free from the guards grip.


    On her knees, she clung to the hem of my dress.


    The desperation in her eyes tore at my heart.


    ---- only the Duke can determine that, Im sorry.


    1" "You can speak to the Duke! My father knows who did it.


    He knows! Hell tell the Dukeor you! Look, look, he gave me this letter, he gave it to me in prison...!" She frantically searched through the pockets of her skirt, pulling out a crumpled, blood-stained piece of paper.


    With trembling hands, she held it up to me, pleading for me to read it, sobbing uncontrobly.


    "How dare you hand such a filthy paper to Her Ladyship?!" A sudden exmation behind me made me turn, along with the loud snort of a horse.


    Everyone turned to see a light-haired man dismounting with authority, his eyes filled with pure hatred as theynded on the girl.


    She shrank back against my dress, fear stark on her face.


    "Give that to me!" "Wait a moment!" I stepped in front of his outstretched hand, blocking him from snatching the letter.


    "Who are you toe here and make decisions on my behalf?" I met his gaze, icy and unyielding.


    I didnt know why, but something about this neer gave me a very bad feeling.


    Lam one of themanders of the Everhart Duchys border guard, Your Grace.


    I apologize for presenting myself under such circumstances," he said, bowing with what seemed like respect.