Chapter 115: The Names They Speak in the Dark
Helen remained behind the bar, her hands moving with practiced ease now, though her gaze drifted more often than it should have.
Brianna shifted beside her.
For a moment, the child said nothing.
Then, slowly, her fingers loosened their hold on her mother's skirt.
"Mama…" she began, her voice quieter now, thoughtful rather than frightened. "That duke...the one with the red hair."
Helen glanced down at her. "Aye?"
Brianna hesitated, as though arranging her thoughts into something that could be asked.
"Is he a good person?"
The question settled into the space between them.
Olly, who had just taken a long drink from the mug Helen had placed before him, paused mid-swallow.
Jacob, leaning heavily against the bar, turned his head.
The two men exchanged a look.
It was brief.
And then—
They shrugged.
A moment later, both of them laughed because they had no answer.
