57 Chapter 57

"My lord! Quickly!"

Lia was awakened by Pipi, who rudely yanked the covers away. She had barely slept the past few nights, agonized by Frank's letter and the visit to Louver with Lady Bale. She was torn between setting off immediately in search of her mother and waiting until she graduated to do so. In the end, she decided on the latter. There were only five months until graduation anyway; if she acted rashly, the marchioness would direct her anger at her mother, not her. There was even a chance she would find her mother before Lia.

Perhaps it would be okay for me to send a letter. Just to tell her I'm doing well, that we'll meet next year.

Frank's words continued to ring ominously in her ears: that she should prepare her heart before reading. She had finally mustered up the courage to open the envelope last night. The letter smelled faintly of oil used to iron clothes.

"Hurry! The prince and Lord Kieran are downstairs!"

"What? The prince?"