“I was,” the countess admitted, voice cracking. “But you… you survived the one he gave you. And you did it with a grace I could only pray you possessed.”
Marcus remained respectfully behind them, Henry at his side, holding a wooden soldier as if unsure whether to present it as a peace offering.
The countess glanced past Lilianna, first at Marcus, then at Henry, and something in her gaze softened.
“This is…” Lilianna said quietly, drawing her mother gently forward. “The life I’ve chosen.”
Her mother’s eyes warmed. “I can see that.”
Marcus bowed with formal courtesy, his voice warm.
“You honor us with your visit, Lady von Morgenwald.”
She studied him with a mother’s sharp understanding.
“You are the man my daughter trusted when she had every reason not to,” her mother said.
She glanced at Marcus more closely.
“I mentioned you to Lord Westlake. Wolf, he said. A clever name.”
Her gaze returned to Marcus, assessing and calm. “Not one I would have chosen. But perhaps the right one.”
Marcus inclined his head. “I’ve been called worse.”
Her smile deepened. “So I imagine.”
The countess’s gaze dropped then, curiosity softening into something warmer.
“And who,” she asked gently, “is this handsome young man watching me as though I might disappear?”
Henry straightened at once. “I’m Henry,” he said, solemn and proud. “I live here.”
Lilianna smiled. “Henry is Marcus’s son.”
Something tender passed through the countess’s expression.
“Ah,” she said. “Then you are very important indeed.”
Henry considered this, then nodded. “Miss Edgewood is my music teacher. Would you like to hear me play?” he asked.
Her face lit at once. “I would be honored.”
Henry looked to Lilianna, who nodded and touched his shoulder. Then he ran ahead to the music room.
Marcus offered his arm to the countess. “Shall we?”
She took it, and together they followed Lilianna inside.
Later, when theafternoon mellowed toward evening, the countess stood with Lilianna in the quiet of the garden, petals drifting lazily from early blossoms.
“If this is the man you choose… the life you choose…”
Her voice trembled.
“Then you have my blessing. With my whole heart.”
Tears slipped down Lilianna’s cheeks, but she was smiling.
