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“It is true, I do not approve.”

“Yes, I confirm it,” Richard adds.

“But she must learn for herself... otherwise, if I forbade her to see him, she would desire him all the more ardently.”

Peut-être devrais -je lui crever les yeux.1

1. Perhaps I should gouge her eyes out.

24

Incomplete

Dorian

My soles ring out on the polished parquet as I walk down the east wing corridor. The note Laurence handed me hours ago burning in my pocket.

When you recall who you are, deign to present yourself.

A dull irritation pricks at the back of my neck, the invitation is nothing more than a demand cloaked as a suggestion.

I already know what he wishes to discuss.

Outside the study door, Edgar halts with his hand raised toward the knocker, his gaze ready to announce my arrival. I tilt my head toward him, my jaw tight.

“That won’t be necessary.”

He lowers his hand, holding back a slight bow despite his evident disapproval. I push the door open and enter my grandfather’s domain, my fingertips grazing the frame as I shut myself in. The scent of old books and pipe tobacco envelops me at once familiar and irritating in equal measure.

I find him where I always leave him, seated in the armchair beside the cold hearth. His cane is leaned with precision, the blanket folded over his knees without a single stray crease. In his hands, he grips a book he doesn’t even seem to be reading.

He barely lifts his eyes as I enter.

“Finally.”

“Were you so impatient to see me?”

“Do not be impertinent, grandson.”

He lowers the book without looking at it, his gaze settling on me.

“Sit.”

I merely take a few steps forward, remaining on my feet.

“Why did you go to Brittany?”

“I am not in the habit of asking permission to breathe.”

“There is no need. But you are no ordinary man, Dorian. You are a future marquess. Every action you take has consequences.”

“Everything I neglected before my departure has already been attended to.”

“What you did before departing was create a scandal!”

I lift an eyebrow. “What are you talking about?”

“The article. What game are you playing with Viscount Rochefort?”