Aurelian had slept very little.
By the time morning arrived, the fire in his chambers had burned low, and the cup of tea Joshua had brought him the previous evening remained untouched beside the window.
He had spent much of the night thinking about his conversations with Adrian and Seraphina, turning their words over in his mind until he could scarcely distinguish what had been said from what he feared they had meant.
Neither had told him to leave. In fact, Seraphina had assured him that he was welcome in Vaelmont, and Adrian had left the decision entirely in his hands.
Yet the more Aurelian considered the possibility of war, the less comfortable he became with remaining.
A soft knock sounded at his door.
"Come in."
Joshua entered carrying a fresh pot of tea and several folded papers.
"Good morning, my lord."
"Good morning, Joshua."
The young attendant glanced at the untouched cup before quietly replacing it.
"I made a few inquiries about the southern roads, as you requested."
Aurelian straightened.
"What did you find out?"
"There are still merchant convoys traveling toward Evelina, although several companies have reduced their departures. The weather has caused delays through the mountain passes, and some merchants are waiting for military clearance before attempting the journey."
"I see."
"Master Corvin believes there may be an opportunity to join a convoy within the next several days, provided the roads remain open."
"And nothing has been arranged?"
"No, my lord. I thought it best to wait until you had spoken with Her Grace."
"Quite right. Thank you, Joshua."
The attendant hesitated.
"May I ask whether you have decided to go?"
Aurelian looked toward the window.
Beyond the glass, the fortress was beginning to stir. Soldiers crossed the courtyard in organized groups, their boots leaving fresh tracks in the snow. Somewhere below, a wagon rattled over the frozen stones.
Last night, he had only wanted to know whether returning was possible. Now that he knew it was, he could no longer avoid deciding whether he should.
He thought of Seraphina working late into the night, of the soldiers preparing for battle, and of the dangers Adrian had described.
There was still so much he wanted to experience in Vaelmont. The gardens, the villages, the northern countryside, and all the quiet moments he had imagined sharing with the woman he admired.
He had imagined those moments so often that abandoning them, even temporarily, felt rather like setting aside the pages of a book before reaching its happiest chapter.
But those things could wait.
The approaching war could not.
"Joshua," he said at last, "I believe I have made my decision."
The attendant stopped arranging the breakfast tray.
Aurelian folded his hands together, pressing his thumb against his knuckles.
"I will speak with Lady Sera this morning."
· · ─ ·☽𖤓☾· ─ · ·
Seraphina was in her private study when Aurelian arrived.
The morning council had recently adjourned, leaving several documents scattered across her desk. She stood beside the window examining a dispatch, her silver hair gathered neatly behind her head.
She looked tired.
Aurelian noticed immediately, along with the breakfast tray resting untouched near the fireplace. Under different circumstances, he would have teased her about it, perhaps even insisted that she eat something before returning to her work.
Today, he found himself lingering in the doorway.
"Lady Sera?"
Seraphina looked up.
"Lord Aurel."
Her expression softened as she set the dispatch aside.
"Come in. I have some time before the next meeting."
He entered, closing the door behind him.
"I hope I am not interrupting."
"Not at all."
She studied his face, noticing the shadows beneath his eyes and the unusual stiffness in his posture.
"What is it?"
He had rehearsed several explanations on his way here, but standing before her, every carefully arranged sentence seemed inadequate.
"Lady Sera, there is something I would like to discuss."
"Of course."
Aurelian drew a quiet breath.
"I have decided to return to Bellafonte."
Seraphina went still.
For a moment, she said nothing. Then she set the remaining documents aside, giving him her full attention.
"Return south?"
"Yes."
"When?"
"As soon as suitable travel arrangements can be made. Joshua has made some preliminary inquiries, but nothing has been settled yet."
Her expression changed.
"You have already asked about transportation?"
"Last night. I wanted to know whether the roads were still passable before bringing the matter to you."
Seraphina regarded him carefully.
"Lord Aurel, yesterday you were asking whether there was more you could do here."
"I know."
"And now you wish to leave?"
Aurelian lowered his gaze.
"I have been giving the matter considerable thought."
"Then tell me what has changed."
Her voice was not angry, but there was a quiet insistence in it that made him hesitate.
"I believe Bellafonte may have greater need of me in the coming months. If the conflict affects trade routes, there will be matters requiring attention in the south. I could also continue coordinating our merchants' shipments to Vaelmont from there."
"Your father and brother have been managing those affairs."
"Yes, and they are more than capable. But I think it would be better if I assumed some of those responsibilities myself."
Seraphina waited, clearly unconvinced that this was his only reason.
Aurelian glanced toward the documents on her desk.
"And with the military preparations becoming more demanding, I have been reconsidering whether my remaining here is entirely practical."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I cannot fight, and I have no place in the military councils. The work I have been overseeing is progressing well enough that others can continue it."
He managed a faint smile.
"Perhaps I would be of greater use somewhere I can exercise a little more authority."
Seraphina studied him.
Only a few weeks earlier, this same man had insisted that there were ways to help Vaelmont without carrying a sword. He had been frightened by the approaching conflict, but he had wanted to stay. His determination had impressed her enough that she had agreed.
Now he stood before her explaining why he ought to leave, speaking with the careful restraint of someone who had spent far too long convincing himself of an unhappy conclusion.
"Has something happened?" she asked.
Aurelian looked startled.
"Something?"
"Has anyone treated you poorly? Have you encountered difficulties that have not been brought to my attention?"
"Oh, no. Nothing of the sort."
The answer came immediately.
"Everyone has been exceptionally kind."
"Then why do you suddenly believe you have no place here?"
Aurelian opened his mouth, then hesitated.
He thought of Adrian's concerns, of the danger his engagement might pose during a military conflict, and of Seraphina's exhausted expression when she had told him that she would rather know he was safe.
Adrian had never been unkind to him. The marquis had merely encouraged him to consider circumstances that Aurelian, in his own ignorance, had failed to recognize.
And Seraphina had confirmed one of those concerns without even knowing it.
"I do not believe I am unwelcome," he said at last. "But I worry that my remaining here might become another responsibility for you."
Seraphina's expression tightened.
"Aurel."
"You already have so much to manage. Your soldiers, the border, and all the people who depend upon you. I know you would never complain about looking after me, but that does not mean it would be fair to ask it of you."
Seraphina remembered their conversation the previous evening.
He had asked whether she would tell him if his presence made things more complicated. She had assured him that he need not concern himself with military matters, and when he asked whether she would prefer him somewhere safe, she had answered without hesitation.
At the time, she had meant only that she could not bear to see him harmed.
Now she wondered what he had heard.
"Is this because of what I said yesterday?"
Aurelian looked up.
"Not entirely."
It was an answer that told her considerably more than a denial would have.
Seraphina approached him.
"When I told you that I had capable people assisting me, I did not mean that you had become unnecessary."
"I know, Lady Sera."
"Do you?"
He was quiet for a moment, his fingers curling slightly against his palms.
Then he smiled sadly.
"I suppose I had hoped there might be more I could do for you."
The admission hurt more than she expected.
Seraphina had never needed him to become a military strategist. She did not expect him to command soldiers or sit beside her generals.
When she thought of their future, she imagined something beyond war and duty. A home that was not merely a fortress, evenings spent with someone who cared whether she had eaten rather than how many battles she had won, and the quiet comfort of knowing that someone would be waiting when she returned.
But lately, she had been so occupied with protecting that future that she had neglected the man who was supposed to share it.
She had assumed he understood how much his presence meant to her, though she had given him precious little opportunity to hear it.
"I should have listened more carefully yesterday," she admitted.
Aurelian shook his head.
"You were exhausted, and I hardly explained myself very well."
"Even so, I do not want you believing that you must prove yourself through warfare to stand beside me."
"I understand that."
He looked down at his hands.
"But understanding does not change the danger."
Seraphina fell silent.
Aurelian gathered his courage.
"If something were to happen to me while I remained here, I know you would do everything possible to protect me."
"Of course I would."
"And that is precisely what worries me."
She frowned.
"I would never want you to risk yourself unnecessarily because of me," he continued. "Or divert soldiers from their duties when they might be needed elsewhere."
Seraphina looked at him for a long moment.
"Do you believe I would abandon my responsibilities for you?"
"No! Of course not."
"Then—"
"But you might be forced to choose between them."
The words stopped her.
Aurelian looked at her helplessly, his expression strained by the very possibility.
"And I do not want you placed in that position."
For once, Seraphina could think of nothing to say.
She wanted to tell him that such a choice would never arise, that she could protect both him and Vaelmont, and that the approaching conflict would never reach him.
But she had spent the past several weeks reviewing intelligence reports that made such promises impossible.
The north was not safe.
She could not pretend otherwise merely because she wanted him to stay.
"Do you want to go?" she asked quietly.
Aurelian looked at her.
Then he shook his head.
"No."
His answer came without hesitation, with such simple sincerity that Seraphina felt her chest tighten.
"I would much rather stay here with you."
"Then why—"
"Because wanting to stay does not necessarily mean I should."
He gave a small, unhappy laugh.
"I miss Bellafonte, of course. I miss my family and the warmth of the south. But I have grown very fond of this place too."
His gaze moved toward the snowy landscape beyond the window.
"I had hoped to spend more time here. To learn more about the territory and its people, and to be waiting when you returned from your duties."
Seraphina remembered those plans.
She had been looking forward to them as well, although she had rarely found the time to say so.
For a moment, she considered asking him to remain.
He cared for her enough that she suspected he might agree, and the knowledge made the temptation all the more difficult to resist.
She could ask him to trust her, to stay a little longer, to believe that everything would eventually settle. She could tell him how deeply she wanted him beside her, and perhaps that alone would be enough.
But she could hardly admire Aurelian's gentle determination while refusing to respect it when his decision caused her pain.
And she would not use his affection to persuade him into a danger she could not promise to prevent.
"If this is what you have decided," she said at last, "then I will not stand in your way."
Aurelian released a quiet breath, though the relief upon his face seemed mingled with disappointment.
"Thank you."
"However, I wish you had spoken to me before deciding that your safety was a burden I could not afford."
He looked ashamed.
"I am sorry."
Seraphina reached for his hand.
"I am not asking you to apologize. I only want you to remember that you are not responsible for deciding what I am capable of bearing."
Aurelian looked at her.
For a moment, something uncertain passed across his face. He seemed almost ready to speak, but whatever thought had occurred to him remained unspoken.
Then he nodded.
"I will."
She gently tightened her hold.
"Now, if you are returning south, I will arrange a proper military escort."
Aurelian looked up immediately.
"Oh, that will not be necessary."
Her brow rose.
"Lord Aurel."
"I mean it. The soldiers are needed here."
"They are also needed to protect travelers upon dangerous roads."
"Of course. But Joshua has found that merchant convoys are still traveling toward Evelina. I believe I could join one once the route is confirmed safe."
"A merchant convoy is not a military escort."
"No," he admitted. "But it would not require an entire group of soldiers to leave Vaelmont merely for my sake."
Seraphina regarded him with an expression suggesting that she was rapidly losing patience with his reasoning.
Aurelian continued before she could object.
"And I would like to take Joshua with me."
"Joshua?"
"Yes. He knows the northern roads, and I have grown accustomed to his assistance. I intend to ask whether he might consider entering my service permanently."
Seraphina considered the suggestion.
Joshua was an attendant rather than a soldier, but he was familiar with the territory and the household's travel arrangements. More importantly, she knew Aurelian trusted him.
"Have you spoken with him?"
"Not about entering my service. I wanted to discuss my departure with you first."
"Then you may ask him. I will not prevent him from accepting another position if he wishes."
Aurelian brightened.
"Thank you."
"But I have not agreed to your traveling without proper protection."
His smile faltered.
"Lady Sera..."
Seraphina sighed.
"At the very least, I will have the route examined and the convoy's guards assessed. If I am not satisfied with either, you will not depart."
Aurelian considered the compromise.
Then he nodded.
"That is fair."
"And if the situation along the roads changes, the journey will be postponed."
"Of course."
She regarded him for another moment.
"You have become rather difficult to argue with."
Aurelian smiled faintly.
"I believe I have had an excellent teacher."
That earned a quiet laugh from her.
It faded quickly.
Seraphina stepped closer and lifted her hand to his cheek.
"I wish things were different."
"So do I."
Her thumb brushed gently against his skin.
For a moment, neither spoke. Aurelian studied her face as though committing it to memory, lingering upon the tiredness around her eyes and the familiar blue of her gaze.
Then he leaned into her touch.
"There will be other winters, Lady Sera."
She wanted to believe him.
She wanted to believe there would be countless winters, enough for him to grow accustomed to the snow and for her to learn how to spend an afternoon without thinking of military dispatches. Enough for all the ordinary things they had promised themselves without quite realizing how precious those promises were.
Instead of making assurances neither could guarantee, Seraphina drew him into her arms.
Aurelian embraced her immediately, his fingers tightening briefly against the back of her uniform. He rested his cheek against her shoulder and closed his eyes, allowing himself a few moments in which he did not have to be sensible or brave.
Seraphina held him a little more tightly.
They remained together beside the window while the sounds of the fortress continued beyond the study doors.
When they finally parted, Seraphina cradled his cheek and spoke softly.
"Come home safely, Lord Aurel."
Aurelian smiled.
"I will."
He hesitated.
"And you must promise to take care of yourself."
Seraphina looked at him.
"That is rather a large request."
"Lady Sera."
Her expression softened.
"Then I will do my best."
For now, it was the only promise she could make.
And Aurelian accepted it.
· · ─ ·☽𖤓☾· ─ · ·
Joshua was arranging fresh firewood when Aurelian returned to his chambers.
The young attendant straightened.
"My lord."
"Joshua, do you have a moment?"
"Of course."
Aurelian removed his gloves and placed them upon the table.
"I have spoken with Her Grace."
Joshua glanced toward him.
"About returning south?"
"Yes. She has agreed, provided the roads are considered safe enough."
"I see."
The attendant looked down at the firewood in his hands.
"And will you be departing soon?"
"I believe so. Nothing has been finalized, but I imagine we will know more within the next few days."
Joshua nodded, although he seemed rather subdued by the news.
Aurelian watched him for a moment.
"There is something else I wanted to discuss."
"Certainly, my lord."
Aurelian smiled.
"You have been assisting me since I arrived in Vaelmont, and I have grown rather accustomed to having you around."
Joshua blinked, urging Aurelian to continue.
"Which is why I wondered whether you might consider accompanying me to Bellafonte."
The young man looked up.
"To Bellafonte?"
"Yes."
"For the journey?"
"For the journey, certainly. But I meant something more permanent."
Joshua stared.
Aurelian continued, suddenly feeling rather nervous.
"You were assigned to me temporarily, and I understand that your employment belongs to the ducal household. I would never wish to interfere with an arrangement you find satisfactory."
He folded his hands together.
"But if you are interested, I would like to formally ask you to become one of my personal attendants."
Joshua remained silent.
Then he managed, "You mean... permanently?"
"Yes."
"In Bellafonte?"
"Unless you would prefer to live somewhere else."
"I..."
Joshua stopped, apparently unable to find a satisfactory response.
Aurelian smiled encouragingly.
"There is no need to answer immediately."
"But why me?"
The question surprised him.
"Why not you?"
"There are surely more experienced attendants in Bellafonte."
"Perhaps. But I am not looking for a stranger with an impressive collection of qualifications."
Aurelian's expression softened.
"You have been kind, attentive, and remarkably patient with me. You know my habits, you understand when I am being unreasonable, and you have become someone whose company I genuinely enjoy."
Joshua's cheeks reddened, and he lowered his gaze.
Aurelian was reminded, rather fondly, of the young attendant who had first been assigned to him. Joshua had been unfailingly polite then, almost painfully careful about maintaining the proper distance between servant and noble.
Somewhere along the way, that distance had lessened enough for Aurelian to recognize the person beneath the professional courtesy.
"Besides," Aurelian added, "I should think surviving this long in my service is an excellent qualification."
The young attendant laughed despite himself.
"Naturally, we would need to discuss your salary, accommodations, and any personal arrangements you might require," Aurelian continued. "I would not expect you to leave Vaelmont without ensuring that the position would be suitable."
Joshua regarded him for a moment. The young man's eyes had grown unexpectedly bright, and he seemed to need a moment to compose himself before bowing.
"I would be honored, my lord."
Aurelian's face brightened.
"Wonderful!"
Joshua straightened, smiling now.
"Although..."
Aurelian paused.
"Yes?"
"Does this mean I shall have to keep reminding you to wear your winter coat?"
Aurelian laughed.
"I sincerely hope that will no longer be necessary once we reach Bellafonte."
"And to eat your meals?"
"Well..."
"And not to wander around unattended in the middle of the night?"
"Joshua!"
The young man grinned.
Aurelian stared at him in mock offense before shaking his head.
"I see you have become entirely too comfortable insulting your employer."
"I learned from the best, my lord."
"How dreadful."
But he was smiling.
For the first time that morning, something in his chest felt a little lighter.
There was still the journey ahead, the uncertainty of the war, and the painful knowledge that he would soon be leaving Seraphina behind.
Yet at least he would be making the journey with a friend.
And Joshua would be coming to a place Aurelian dearly wanted to show him.
"Well, then," he said, glancing around the room. "I suppose we should begin preparing."
Joshua nodded eagerly.
"Of course, my lord. Shall I speak with Master Corvin about my transfer?"
"Yes, please. Her Grace has already agreed to allow you to choose, but everything should be arranged properly."
"And your belongings?"
Aurelian glanced toward the books arranged beside his writing desk, the winter clothing filling his wardrobe, and the various small purchases he had accumulated during his stay.
He had arrived in Vaelmont with considerably less than he now possessed.
"Oh dear."
Joshua followed his gaze.
Then he sighed.
"I shall arrange for additional trunks."
"Perhaps only one."
"My lord."
"Two?"
Joshua gave him a patient look.
Aurelian surrendered.
"Very well. Use your judgment."
· · ─ ·☽𖤓☾· ─ · ·
Over the next two days, Aurelian began putting his affairs in order.
He informed Quartermaster Haldren of his intended departure and arranged for the remaining correspondence from the southern merchants to be transferred directly to the appropriate offices.
The quartermaster accepted the documents without comment.
Then he looked up.
"You're leaving?"
"Yes. I believe it would be best for me to return south."
Haldren regarded him for a moment before examining the papers again.
"These arrangements aren't finished."
"Not entirely. I have included the outstanding matters in the final report, along with the merchants responsible for each shipment. Any changes can be sent to Bellafonte directly."
Haldren grunted.
"That'll work."
"Wonderful."
The quartermaster leaned back in his chair.
"You're certain about this?"
Aurelian hesitated only briefly.
"Yes."
Haldren studied him a moment longer, but whatever he might have been thinking, he kept to himself.
"Then I won't argue. But I'll expect answers when I write."
"Of course."
"And if your brother's merchants decide to change their prices halfway through negotiations, I'll hold you responsible."
Aurelian laughed softly.
"I shall warn Sterling that you are a formidable negotiator."
"Hmph. He'd better be one too."
The quartermaster returned to his paperwork, though he paused before Aurelian reached the door.
"Lord Bellafonte."
Aurelian turned.
"Yes?"
Haldren lifted the report slightly.
"Good work."
The unexpected praise warmed him.
Aurelian smiled.
"Thank you, Quartermaster."
He left before the man could become embarrassed by his own compliment.
· · ─ ·☽𖤓☾· ─ · ·
The greenhouse arrangements were considerably easier to organize.
Mistress Rusk had already assumed responsibility for much of the ongoing work, and Aurelian spent an afternoon reviewing the remaining plans with her. She accepted his departure with practical resignation, though she made him promise to continue answering her letters.
"I expect you to tell me if those southern seeds prove as remarkable as you claim," she warned.
Aurelian smiled.
"I shall send you a full report."
"With actual measurements."
"Of course."
"And no poetry."
He looked offended.
"Surely a small verse would not hurt."
Mistress Rusk snorted.
"Put it on a separate page."
Aurelian laughed.
By the time he returned to the castle, the winter sunlight had begun fading behind the mountains.
He paused beneath the archway leading toward the inner courtyard, watching the soldiers training beyond the walls. A few recognized him and offered greetings, which he returned warmly before continuing on his way.
It was strange to think that he would soon be leaving.
The fortress had once seemed intimidating, its unfamiliar corridors and heavily armed occupants making him feel terribly out of place.
Now he knew which staircase creaked beneath the third step, which windows offered the prettiest view of the mountains at sunrise, and where the servants gathered when the kitchens were warmest.
These were small things, hardly worth mentioning in a letter home, yet he had come to treasure them. They were the little details that had gradually transformed an unfamiliar fortress into somewhere he could imagine belonging.
He had even grown accustomed to the cold.
Well.
Perhaps not entirely.
Aurelian pulled his cloak more tightly around himself as a gust of wind swept through the courtyard.
He would certainly not miss that.
· · ─ ·☽𖤓☾· ─ · ·
On the second afternoon, Adrian learned of Aurelian's departure.
The marquis had been speaking with a visiting official near the entrance hall when he noticed several servants carrying empty travel trunks upstairs.
A familiar golden-haired figure stood beside the staircase, discussing arrangements with the household steward.
Adrian excused himself politely.
"My dear Aurelian."
Aurelian turned.
"Adrian!"
The marquis approached with his usual elegant smile.
"Preparing for a journey?"
"Oh, yes. I was actually hoping to speak with you."
"How fortunate. You have my complete attention."
Aurelian smiled.
"I have decided to return to Bellafonte."
Adrian stopped.
For the briefest instant, something changed in his expression.
Then his brows lifted.
"Return south?"
"Yes. There are matters at home that would benefit from my attention, and I believe it would be more practical for me to continue assisting with the supply arrangements from there."
"I see."
The marquis regarded him thoughtfully.
Then he smiled.
"Well, that is certainly a sensible decision."
Aurelian appeared relieved.
"You think so?"
"Of course. Though I must confess, I shall miss having you here. We have scarcely had an opportunity to enjoy one another's company since my arrival."
"I know. It is unfortunate."
"Very."
Adrian's expression softened with perfectly measured regret.
"But duty must come before pleasure, I suppose."
Aurelian nodded.
"That is what I thought."
"And Her Grace?"
"Oh, I have already spoken with her. She has agreed to my departure, although she was rather insistent about arranging a military escort."
Adrian chuckled.
"Her Grace is exceptionally protective of those she holds dear."
Aurelian smiled faintly, a trace of embarrassment coloring his cheeks.
"Yes."
"Have the arrangements been settled?"
"Not entirely. We are waiting for confirmation that the southern roads are safe enough for travel."
"Of course. One cannot be too careful."
The marquis glanced toward the staircase, where Joshua had appeared to speak with the steward.
"And you will be departing soon?"
"In a few days, most likely. Provided nothing changes."
"Then I hope your journey is a pleasant one."
Adrian placed a hand briefly upon his shoulder.
"You have always been a thoughtful gentleman, Aurelian. I am certain Bellafonte will be delighted to have you home."
"Thank you, Adrian."
"Not at all. And do write when you arrive. I should hate to lose touch with such a dear friend."
"Of course!"
Aurelian smiled brightly.
"I would be delighted."
"Wonderful."
The marquis stepped aside to allow him to continue his conversation with the steward.
"Then I shall not keep you from your preparations."
"Thank you. I hope we might at least share tea before I leave."
"I would enjoy that very much."
Aurelian bowed slightly before returning to Joshua.
Adrian watched him go.
His expression remained pleasant, though a small smile appeared as the young baron disappeared upstairs.
It lasted only a moment.
Then he turned toward the corridor leading to the council chambers, his composure restored.
· · ─ ·☽𖤓☾· ─ · ·
Seraphina noticed the preparations that evening.
She had just emerged from a meeting when she heard Aurelian's laughter drifting from the lower hall.
She slowed near the upper gallery.
Below, Aurelian stood with Joshua beside several travel trunks. One of them had apparently proved difficult to close.
"I assure you, it fit perfectly well before," Aurelian was saying.
Joshua regarded the overflowing trunk.
"My lord, you have added six books."
"Five."
"Six."
Aurelian glanced down.
Joshua folded his arms.
"And a wooden box."
"That is a gift."
"For whom?"
"My mother."
"Then perhaps it should be placed in the other trunk."
"The other trunk is full."
"Yes, my lord. I noticed."
Aurelian laughed.
Seraphina rested one hand lightly against the stone railing.
It was a sound she had missed.
Over the past several weeks, their encounters had become so brief that she had scarcely enjoyed an uninterrupted conversation with him. There had been mornings when she left before he woke and evenings when she returned too exhausted to manage more than a few affectionate words.
Now, watching him laugh with Joshua, she realized just how much of his company she had lost to the approaching war.
He looked happier than he had during their conversation two mornings earlier, though the sight of his belongings gathered for departure left an uncomfortable ache beneath her ribs.
It was an odd thing, she thought, to be relieved that someone was smiling again while knowing she would soon have to grow accustomed to his absence.
An officer approached from the adjoining corridor and bowed.
"Your Grace. The latest reports have been delivered to your study."
"Very well."
She should have returned immediately.
There were still documents awaiting her signature, and General Roderick had requested another consultation before nightfall.
Instead, her attention remained upon the lower hall.
Aurelian was still speaking with Joshua when another figure appeared near the far archway.
Marquis Adrian Leister.
He paused beside one of the stone pillars, his gaze moving toward the open trunks and the servants passing through the hall.
Then he looked toward Aurelian.
Seraphina watched him.
The marquis made no attempt to approach. He merely observed the preparations with an expression of mild interest, his hands resting comfortably behind his back.
Nothing about it should have troubled her.
Adrian was naturally observant. It was part of what made him so effective in political negotiations.
Yet as the steward approached and spoke briefly about the southern convoy, the marquis's expression changed.
It was subtle.
A small smile, almost imperceptible, touched his lips.
Seraphina narrowed her eyes.
She knew that expression.
She had seen it countless times upon the faces of nobles who believed they had successfully concluded a difficult negotiation.
Satisfaction.
The marquis offered the steward a polite nod before continuing toward the council chambers.
Seraphina remained beside the railing.
For some reason, the sight brought her thoughts back to Aurelian's sudden decision.
Until now, she had attributed his withdrawal to exhaustion and the strain of the approaching war. After all, he had been working diligently while she spent nearly every waking hour occupied with military affairs.
But the change had not happened all at once.
She remembered the enthusiasm with which he had once approached his work, how readily he had sought opportunities to involve himself in the affairs of her territory.
More recently, however, his questions had taken on a different character.
He no longer asked how he might contribute.
He asked whether he was needed.
The distinction had seemed insignificant at first. She had mistaken his hesitation for ordinary uncertainty and assumed that a few reassuring words would be enough.
Now, with his belongings packed and his departure only days away, she was no longer certain.
Her gaze shifted toward the corridor through which Adrian had disappeared.
The marquis had arrived in Vaelmont as part of the Crown's delegation, and Aurelian had been delighted to welcome a familiar friend. She remembered how pleased he had seemed to have another acquaintance in the fortress.
Adrian, for his part, had always been attentive to Aurelian.
Perhaps a little too attentive.
Seraphina frowned.
It was hardly evidence of wrongdoing. Adrian had conducted himself with impeccable courtesy throughout his stay, and she knew better than to accuse a nobleman based upon an unusual expression.
Yet something about the timing troubled her.
Aurelian's confidence had begun fading shortly after the marquis's arrival, and now Adrian appeared rather pleased by his departure.
Coincidence, perhaps.
She had certainly given Aurelian enough reasons to feel neglected without requiring anyone else's interference. She could not ignore her own part in what had happened merely because another explanation might be easier to accept.
But she also knew how readily an anxious person could be persuaded to doubt himself, particularly when the doubts were presented as reasonable concerns.
And Aurelian was someone who listened carefully to the people he trusted.
Below, he was attempting to persuade Joshua that a collection of poetry books should qualify as essential travel provisions.
Joshua appeared unconvinced.
Their laughter drifted upward through the hall.
Seraphina watched them for a moment, her expression softening at the familiar sight.
She had no intention of interfering with Aurelian's departure. If returning to Bellafonte was truly what he believed best, she would respect it.
But she wanted to understand why the man who had once insisted upon remaining beside her had become so certain that she would be better off without him.
And, more importantly, whether that certainty had been entirely his own.
Seraphina straightened and turned away from the railing.
Perhaps there was another conversation she needed to have.
And this time, she intended to listen very carefully.
Chapter discussion