New Duchess

"Father," he choked out, tears streaming down his face. "What happened? She was fine when I left! Adeline healed her! How could this—"

"She's gone, Benedict," His father interrupted, his tone cold and matter-of-fact. "Her heart gave out. There was nothing anyone could do."

Benedict shook his head vehemently. "You're lying! She was getting better! How could her heart just-" His words faltered as he noticed something different about his father.

The man who once carried himself with authority now seemed diminished, his shoulders hunched, his gaze hollow.

Before his father could respond, the head maid stepped forward, her face lined with grief and anger. "She placed the Holy Sword on the mantle before she passed away," she said, her voice trembling but resolute. "The doctors claim it was her heart, but—"