A short while later, the Duke of Anjou entered the room with a grave expression. Without paying much attention to Lina's reaction, he immediately dismissed the maids, clearly intending to discuss something in private.
"Your Majesty, Father Loreto has disappeared."
His tone was unusually solemn.
Lina was momentarily stunned before remembering who he meant. Her eyes widened in surprise. "What? How long has he been missing?"
"Approximately three hours. I've already sent people throughout the city to search for him."
Lina did not question Duke Herbert's handling of the matter. She knew he would have kept a close watch on Silvio, especially considering the circumstances under which the young priest had been entrusted to them. There was little chance that Herbert had simply neglected his responsibilities.
After considering the situation for a moment, she said, "I'm afraid he wasn't abducted. He probably left of his own accord."
