CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY SIX – DID SHE DO IT?

The distrust gnawed at Charlotte, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. Later that night, she found Anya in their shared room, a book clutched in her hands. Her face, usually open and cheerful, was clouded with worry. "Anya," Charlotte began, her voice barely a whisper. "Maud… she claims she saw Richard and me together. Late at night." Anya's eyes widened in shock. "What? How could she possibly…" Her voice trailed off, a flicker of fear replacing the initial disbelief. Charlotte watched her friend's face, searching for any sign of deceit. But she saw none, only genuine concern and a growing sense of betrayal. "I didn't tell her anything," Anya whispered, her voice trembling. "I swear I didn't." Charlotte believed her. This wasn't Anya's doing. Then, a horrifying realization slammed into her. Maud hadn't overheard a conversation. She had seen something. Their near-miss encounter with Lady Griffith at the bridge, their frantic scramble to hide – that was what Maud had witnessed. And