"That is enough!"
Elena's voice cut through the tension like a shard of glass.
Philip's knuckles were white where he gripped the collar of his brother's shirt. Eric stared back at him, his own eyes burning with the same intensity. For a long moment, neither moved. Then, hearing his grandmother's command, Philip's fingers slowly uncurled. He pushed Eric away with a final, resentful shove while he took a step back. Eric stumbled back a step, straightening his collar with a sharp tug, his gaze never leaving Philip's face.
Elena spoke to her eldest grandson, her voice now slightly calm. "Take Lady Anne to her home."
Hearing this, Anne's face fell. Her heart sank into her stomach. This was not how the afternoon was supposed to go. She had imagined gaining the Duchess's blessing, not being dismissed from her home. She pressed her lips together, her hands twisting her dress until her knuckles hurt.
