CHAPTER EIGHT
Sebastian shambled into the palace like a dead thing when he arrived, and not just because Rupert had made them ride hard on the way back south, apparently enjoying his discomfort.
The fact was that the world seemed too empty for anything else now that Sophia was gone.
“You should go get cleaned up,” Rupert said with obvious amusement. “I’m sure Mother will want to speak to you as soon as she hears you’re back.”
He was clearly looking forward to the thought of what their mother would have to say, but he was still quick to leave Sebastian to it. Maybe he was that eager to get back to his carousing and his cronies. Maybe he was just certain that Sebastian didn’t have any reason to go anywhere else now.
Every step back toward his rooms felt like Sebastian was dragging a lea
