The carriage returned to the mansion at a fast pace, but not rushed enough to attract attention. Ingrivid had ordered the guards to spread out around the convoy as if it were merely a common escort, without a war formation, without raised spears, without any obvious sign that they were carrying an important prisoner and evidence capable of dragging an entire ducal house into an investigation. It was simple theater, but necessary. After that morning, any exaggerated movement could reach Valcair's ears before Morgana decided the next step.
