Epilogue

Two days later, Carlie gave birth. It was a girl, the spitting image of my uncle, a gorgeous blonde child. Mistress Eliza helped me.

In the slums, children were a dime a dozen, including newborns. And while the mother was resting after the labor, thanks to a sleeping potion, we replaced her child with another blond baby.

Carlie’s daughter, whom I named Luisa Amalia, was sent to Torrin, together with her nurse, to be cared for by Cassie, Mira, and Martha.

Meanwhile, Carlie got “her” daughter, after which I told her that I wouldn’t cede the throne to a girl. We’ll see how she turns out.

The viscountess could go back to her husband. He had already searched the entire capital, together with the Chartreuses, several times, in fact. She cursed and called me names worthy of the most eloquent of stable hands, but I had expected that.

I sent the viscountess home in a closed carriage, sedated, and returned to the palace. There, I sent everyone away and headed down, to the Heart of Alethar.

I cu