Thalia smiled sharply and knowingly as she leaned back. "Now, Adrian, do you understand why I said nothing?"
Adrian nodded, understanding as he kept his eyes on Leo and Alric. "I understand. The Duke had the option to name the heir discreetly, but he decided on this particular time."
Erin's voice was sure and low, and she had a cunning smile. "Exactly. During the banquet, he used the opportunity to reveal to everyone Leonhardt's true self—no lies, no uncertainties, just the facts."
Leo stood there with his shoulders pressed down by the weight of his new title, a chain he had never desired. The Dragger vanished into his item space.
The Dukedom didn't really appeal to him. Finding Chloe and creating a safe haven where they could flee the violence were his only goals.
