Vincent knew that if anyone found out, things could end very badly. If anyone found out that he had a weakness. If anyone found out that he loved someone. So deeply. So endlessly. If anyone found out, they'd find her, and use her against him. His precious, his beautiful wife.

They'd been married for a few years now. He'd successfully kept her hidden so far. Everyone who worked here had their tongue removed. Everyone who'd ever tried to leave was killed. But even now, as he moved through the Manor by the French countryside, his heart thumped painfully in his chest.

Is she alright? Will she be there when I get to the bedroom?

The thoughts were awful. That's why he hadn't even bothered to change or clean up. He was still covered in blood- not his- but still, blood. He'd been away for a week now. A week too long in his opinion.

His steel gaze made every mute servant and maid avoid his path entirely as he stalked to their shared room.

"Mon cœur?" He pushed the door open to the massive room.