Chapter 52

Scarlett's POV A sharp knock sounded while we were in the study—Lucien and I were reading the bill and revising what needed to be changed so there would be no problems or complications when we presented it to the council. "Come in," I said without lifting my head. "I knocked this time," I heard Kathleen's voice, making me pause and put down the documents to look at her. She entered carrying a silver tray, a silver envelope resting on top. "What is it?" I asked. "A council courier delivered this," she said quietly, setting the tray down. "It's marked as urgent." Lucien crossed the room in two steps and broke the wax seal more violently than necessary. He turned his eyes to the parchment, his jaw tightening. "What is it?" I asked, even though I already knew by the way his expression darkened. He handed the notice to me. "A reception. Tonight. Attendance mandatory." "Mandatory?" I repeated, glancing over the fancy writing. The words dripped with courtesy, but their meaning was clear—a sum