Chapter 144

No matter how much Maxi wanted to deny it, the Duke of Croyso was her father. It was a truth the whole world was aware of. And now, by openly mocking her husband, her father had shown just how little he thought of his eldest daughter.

Intense shame roiled through her. It was not her father's utter disregard that upset her — it was the fact that this disregard had caused Riftan to suffer such blatant discourtesy. If he had not married her, Riftan and the Remdragon Knights would never have been subjected to such treatment. Though Riftan had assured her she had nothing to apologize for, Maxi was still racked with guilt.

Elliot, who had been riding silently next to her, suddenly spoke with a look of concern.

"You look tired, my lady."

Maxi managed to force a smile on her lips. "I-It is manageable."

"We will reach the banks of the Lauden River soon and likely camp there for the night. Try to bear it until then," Elliot said encouragingly.