88 Chapter 88

Lia curtsied humbly to Lady Ihar. "Pleased to meet you, my lady. I am Camellia." Her bent leg shook more than usual. Claude began to reach for her, noticing how strained she was—but Lady Ihar was faster.

"The pleasure is mine, Lady Camellia. I was growing vexed by the incessant guests calling on a lordless castle. You can be my convenient excuse now."

The candid way she spoke reminded Lia of Rosina. Lia studied her, intrigued. Lady Ihar was tall and beautiful. She wore little jewelry, but she shone brighter than any jewel.

Lady Ihar cast her gaze down slightly, meeting Lia's eyes. Lia was startled, hurriedly looking down. Her blue eyes—astoundingly similar to her son's—curved into a smile, followed by a tinkling laugh. "Your lady is quite lovely."

"Her leg is unwell, Mother. She needs to rest from the long journey. I'll take her to her room."

"Sure. By the looks of it, it seems as though something has happened… But let us talk more at dinner."