Page 106 of King of Ruin

Almost unconsciously, his eyes swept over her face again, lingering on every tiny expression as though afraid he had missed something. His fingers curled slowly into his palm, the tendons in his hand standing out beneath his skin, while the muscles in his jaw flexed once.

No.

That couldn't be right.

But if she still loved him...

Why did she look so unaffected?

For the first time in a very long while, uncertainty crept into Xavier's expression. It was subtle—so slight that no one else in the room would have noticed—but inside, an unfamiliar unease had already begun to settle heavily in his chest.

"You must be tired after such a long journey."

A warm smile spread across Elise's face as she looked at Astrid. Without the slightest hint of reservation, she stepped closer and gently slipped her hand around Astrid's wrist.

"Come on," she said softly. "The maids are still getting your room ready. I'll take you somewhere you can rest until they're finished."

Astrid instinctively narrowed her eyes, clearly caught off guard by the unexpected familiarity. She glanced down at the hand loosely holding her wrist before lifting her gaze back to Elise's smiling face.

There wasn't a trace of pretense in those clear eyes.

Only kindness.

After a brief pause, Astrid gave a small nod and allowed herself to be led away.

The two women climbed the sweeping staircase together, their footsteps muffled by the thick runner carpeting the marble steps. As they reached the second floor, Elise guided her down a long corridor lined with oil paintings and antique wall sconces before stopping outside a pair of carved double doors.

She pushed them open.

"This is one of the sitting rooms," she explained over her shoulder with an apologetic smile. "I thought it would be more comfortable than waiting downstairs."

Astrid stepped inside, her eyes quietly sweeping over the room.

It was spacious yet inviting, decorated in warm shades of ivory and deep burgundy. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm amber glow throughout the sitting room, their light reflecting off the intricate gold detailing that adorned the walls and ceiling. Elegant floral moldings framed the lofty space, while antique paintings, marble sculptures, and sparkling crystal ornaments gave the room an air of timeless luxury. In the center sat a polished mahogany coffee table laid out with an elegant afternoon spread. Tiered trays held delicate pastries, colorful macarons, fresh fruit, chocolates, and finger sandwiches, while a silver tea service rested beside a crystal pitcher filled with chilled juice.

The entire room felt refined, comfortable, and peaceful.

Elise walked over to one of the oversized burgundy armchairs and smoothed the skirt of her dress beneath her before sitting down gracefully. Looking up, she noticed Astrid still standing near the doorway.

"Please don't stand," she said with a gentle laugh, motioning toward the chair opposite her. "Sit down. Make yourself comfortable."

Astrid hesitated only briefly before crossing the room and lowering herself into the matching armchair. She settled back carefully, one leg crossing over the other as she glanced around the elegant sitting room once more.

Elise rested her hands around the warm teacup a maid had quietly placed before her and studied Astrid for another second. The more she looked at her, the more amazed she became.

Finally, she smiled.

"You're really beautiful."

Astrid looked back at her, slightly startled. Her lips twitched almost imperceptibly.

Elise tucked another loose strand of hair behind her ear before continuing.

"Your hair is so beautiful," she said, genuine admiration shining in her eyes. "It's so smooth and silky. I've always wished mine looked like that."

Her gaze drifted to Astrid's eyes.

"And your makeup..." she added, leaning forward slightly with obvious curiosity. "Your eyeliner is perfect. It makes your eyes look so elegant and gives them such a pretty cat-eye shape."