After Heidi and Baldwin left, only Gawain and Duchess Victoria remained in the study—Amber was actually there from the start, but vanished the moment Gawain declared the discussion over. By now, she had likely darted to the nearest tavern, clutching a beer, unless a mousetrap caught her on the way.
Victoria returned to Gawain's desk, her eyes seemingly curious, "Is there anything else you would like to instruct?"
"Did you forget what I mentioned to you before?" Gawain smiled, stood up, and opened a small cabinet beside the desk, taking out a sturdy and exquisite wooden box. He handed it to Victoria while unclasping the lid, "Returned to its rightful owner."
Victoria immediately guessed the content of the box and gently inhaled, solemnly lifting the lid. A thick book with a mottled, aged cover and slightly yellowed and curled pages lay quietly on the velvet lining.
