Chapter 213 - Two Hundred And Thirteen
Byron stared into the amber liquid swirling in the heavy crystal tumbler, the flickering candlelight reflecting in its depths but his focus was inward, troubled. He took a slow sip, the warmth doing little to ease the chill of anxiety.
"Anything to report?" Byron asked quietly, setting the tumbler down on the small table beside his leather armchair. His voice was low, weary.
His aide stood respectfully near the door. He looked uncomfortable. "No, my Lord," he replied, his voice hushed. "I’ve followed every lead, used every contact you suggested. But there is still no trace of her. It’s as if she vanished completely."
Byron’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. He didn’t specify who ’she’ was but the lack of news was a constant, gnawing worry underneath everything else. He picked up the glass again, raising it to his lips.
He paused mid-sip as his aide spoke again, his tone shifting to one of urgent concern. "My Lord, there is other news. Grave news concerning His Grace, Duke Ryan."
Byron lowered the glass slowly, his gaze sharpening on his aide. "What is it?"
"The King’s messenger arrived at the Duke’s residence not long ago, my Lord. He delivered... the red letter." His aide swallowed, understanding the significance. "Word is, His Grace is preparing his carriage. He rides for the palace tonight."
The news struck Byron like a physical blow. The red letter. Summons under suspicion of treason. Ryan, his brother accused of betraying the Crown? It was unthinkable, ludicrous. Yet, the summons was real. "Why?" Byron demanded, the single word sharp with disbelief for his brother. "On what grounds?"
His aide shook his head helplessly. "I couldn’t ascertain the specifics, my Lord. The messenger was tight-lipped, only relaying the summons and the twenty-four-hour deadline. But the nature of the envelope... it speaks for itself."