Alaric traced the rim of his cup. “Every day. But I also see it as a privilege. The trust between our families wasn’t built overnight. It’s my job to protect it… and it certainly helps having you as a friend.”
Evelyne smiled, letting his words settle over her. He knew nothing of the chaos from last night, yet his steady presence brought an unexpected comfort.
“I suppose it’s reassuring,” she murmured, “knowing I’m not the only one trying to navigate expectations. It’s nice to be reminded I’m not entirely alone in this.”
Alaric studied her for a long moment. “That’s the thing about alliances, Evelyne. Whether between families or friends. They remind us that we’re never as alone as we think.”
She glanced at him. “Comforting, yes… yet even surrounded, loneliness can press upon one’s heart more than it should.”
“Would you care toshare what’s on your mind?”
His gaze held such warmth that she nearly relented. But instead, she offered a slight shake of her head, and he understood.
“Well, should you ever wish to, you know where to find me.” He winked, drawing a smile from her as she took the final sip of her tea.
An easy stillness settled between them, punctuated only by the delicate chime of porcelain and the faint whisper of the wind against the windowpane. Eventually, Evelyne rose to her feet, brushing her hands over the fabric of her tunic—her brother’s, to be exact. “I should return before anyone decides to send a search party. Thank you for the tea… and the perspective.”
Alaric inclined his head. “Anytime, my lady.”
With a final glance at the portrait above the fireplace, she turned and made her way toward the door.
Alaric rose as well, his brows knitting slightly. “You’re not running back, are you?”
She grinned. “It’s quicker, and I need to clear my head.”
He sighed. “At least let me walk you to the edge of the estate. That way, I can say I tried to be honorable.” His flirtatious smile returned, and Evelyne rolled her eyes at the abrupt shift in his demeanor. But she couldn’t deny that his relentless habit of making every woman feel noticed was oddly endearing.
“Fair enough,” she replied.
The sun was high as they walked down the gravel path. When they reached the estate’s edge, Alaric stopped and spoke low. “Try not to cause any scandals on your way back, Lady Evelyne.”
“I’ll do my best, Mr. Stonebridge.”
With that, she took off down the path, her heart lighter than it had been in days.
***
Evelyne hesitated outside Cillian’s room, her hand resting lightly on the doorknob. The faint murmur of movement from within reassured her that he was awake, but she couldn’t shake the tension in her chest. She took a steadying breath, turned the knob, and stepped inside.
He was propped up against a mound of pillows, his soft brown hair ruffled, a faint shadow of exhaustion lingering in his eyes. Despite his weariness, he managed a small smile when he saw her.
“You look like you could use a nap more than I could,” he teased, his voice raspy.
Evelyne sighed dramatically but smiled back, taking the chair by his bedside. “It’s been a long day. How are you feeling?”
He shrugged. “Better.”
Her heart ached as she saw his effort to hide his pain. His forced smile and trembling hands made his true feelings evident, and her vision blurred as tears welled up. She blinked them back rapidly, clenching her jaw desperately to maintain her composure. Every fiber of her being ached to reach out and embrace him. But she held back, her hands shaking slightly in her lap as she fought against the overwhelming urge.
She took a deep breath and swallowed, her mind racing with questions. What had happened? Why was he suffering? Most importantly, how could she help?
She leaned forward. “Cillian. What happened?”
His mouth opened, a response half formed, but then his jaw clenched and silence won. The hesitation in his eyes was a language Evelyne knew all too well. She didn’t push him; she never would.
“It’s okay,” she reassured him. “When you’re ready.”
She settled back in her chair. The silence stretched between them, but Evelyne, feeling the need to lighten the mood, let out a quiet laugh.
