Beatrice led Liora through a side passage near the greenhouse. It is a part of the estate rarely used. The stone steps were worn, and the walls smelled faintly of dried herbs and damp ink. Liora followed in silence, her slippers whispering against the floor.
"I thought you hated secrets," Liora finally said, half-joking.
"I do," Beatrice replied, "but some truths are best given in smaller pieces."
They arrived at an arched doorway with an iron handle. Beatrice pushed it open to reveal a narrow room lit with oil lamps and an old wooden table at the center. Stacked on it were scrolls, sealed letters, and even some parchments with burned edges.
"What is this?" Liora asked, stepping closer.
"Reports," Beatrice said. "Old letters. Some of these are from Queen Dowager Lilian herself, others from nobles who once served the former king. This room was once used by the estate's steward before he fled during Lucien's disgrace."
