The Cost of Grace: A Reputation at Risk
She’s known as the Green Lady—a noblewoman beloved by the people, admired by court, and praised for her compassion and poise. But beneath the velvet gowns and diplomatic smiles lies a woman aching to be seen. Her marriage is cordial but cold, her desires buried under years of expectation. Now, whispers rise like smoke—rumors of indecency, of meetings behind closed doors and lovers best left unnamed.
The accusations may be veiled in polite words, but the threat is real. If the scandal breaks, she could lose everything—her influence, her child, even her name. To survive, she must maneuver through gossip, shame, and her own buried hunger. Is she the woman they think she is… or the one she’s always feared becoming?
The doors hadn’t even shut before the whispers began. She crossed the marble floor like nothing was amiss, fingers lightly skimming the rail. One voice cut through the hush. "It’s unbecoming, if it’s true." She turned, smile honey-sweet, eyes cold. "Then pray it isn’t." Her gown swayed behind her like a shadow with secrets. "Because you wouldn't survive knowing it was."
The baker barely looks up as the coins hit the counter, "You’re late again." his hands deftly wrapping warm bread in cloth. "Third time this week."
The reply is easy, unbothered, as boots scuff against the well-worn floorboards. "Not much need to rush, is there?" Outside, the streets move at their usual pace—unhurried, unchanging. No titles, no formality. Just another day in a town where time seems to drift like the slow-moving river beyond its gates.
Some masks are worn with pride. Hers was sewn from silence, silk—and denial.