Chapter 40: Gods and Secrets

"Duchess, I've brought all the files you requested," Grant informed me as he placed the files neatly on the study table. It was then that I realized I hadn't inquired about Grant's whereabouts the previous night.

"So, Grant!" I called to him.

"Yes, Duchess!" he turned to face me.

"Where were you last night?" I asked. He froze, avoiding eye contact with me, making it difficult for me to gauge his expression.

"I..." he stammered.

"Yes, you! I saw you returning around the same time as the Duke, but I know you weren't with him. So, where were you?" I calmly inquired while organizing the files. His demeanor didn't strike me as that of a conspirator.

"I went to my home," he replied.

"Oh, is it far? Couldn't you bring your family here? You have your own quarters here, right?" I inquired.

"Ah, yes, but they are safer there," he explained.

"Safer? What do you mean? What happened last night?" I pressed.