Chapter 70

Claude let go of Kieran's collar and walked back into the princess's quarters, leaving him dazed.

"What is going on, Claude?!" Kieran shouted after him, but the guard at the door blocked his way with a spear at the Grand Duke's gesture.

"Don't let even an ant in." The guards' eyes grew grave at his order. Kieran watched him walk into the building, pressing a hand to his torn lip.

Claude did not turn to look at Kieran, who kept calling out his name. Every step he took, a disturbing wave of fury threatened to consume him. The bruises carved into Lia's soft body suggested yearslong damage.

Camellia had to put on her own leather prison to hide her womanhood—no, it was certainly the marchioness's doing. Or perhaps a clever move designed by the marquis himself.