The morning sun filtered through the ornate curtains of my room, illuminating the lavish decor that felt both comforting and stifling. After days of recovery, I was finally beginning to feel somewhat like myself again. But the prospect of Lucien's visit loomed in my mind like an impending storm.
“Lord Lucien will be here soon,” Thomas informed me, his tone calm yet firm.
“Right,” I replied, trying to mask my nerves. “Just a casual visit from my future husband after I nearly became a stairwell casualty.”
When the door opened, I took a deep breath, trying to project confidence. Lucien entered, his presence commanding yet restrained. He wore a tailored outfit that emphasized his noble stature, and his platinum blond hair gleamed under the light, framing a face that appeared to belong to someone around fourteen or fifteen years old. His teal sapphire eyes were watchful, assessing the room and me with an intensity that made me self-conscious.
“Lord Lucien,” I said, bowing my head slightly, attempting to adopt the formality befitting our ranks. “I am pleased to see you.”
“Adrian,” he replied, his voice steady but cool. “I’m glad to find you recovering well after your fall.”
“Thank you, Lord Lucien,” I said, trying to keep my tone light. “It’s good to be up and about, considering the circumstances.”
I gestured toward a small table adorned with an assortment of delicate treats served on fine porcelain plates. “Would you care for some tea? I had Thomas prepare a selection of pastries and fruits.”
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He hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “That would be acceptable.”
I poured the tea into two intricately designed cups, reminiscent of medieval Europe, their delicate handles and ornate decorations hinting at craftsmanship from a bygone era. As I handed him a cup, our fingers brushed, and I quickly withdrew my hand, surprised by the electric connection. “I hope the chamomile is to your liking.”
“It is,” he said, taking a measured sip. His gaze flickered briefly to the array of snacks but quickly returned to me, his expression thoughtful yet guarded. “You have good taste in pastries.”
“Thank you! I find they make any conversation a bit sweeter,” I said, gesturing for him to help himself. “Please, indulge. I’m not sure how often you get to enjoy simple things like this.”
He picked up a small tart, his expression revealing little. “It’s rare, but I appreciate the gesture.”
As we settled into an uneasy rhythm, I felt the tension between us. “So, how do you manage all the pressures of nobility?” I asked, eager to bridge the gap.
Lucien’s eyes remained steady, his demeanor carefully composed. “It has its challenges,” he replied, his tone clipped. “Moments of clarity help maintain my focus.”
“Moments of clarity, huh?” I echoed, genuinely curious. “Any favorite escape from it all?”
“Occasionally, I find solace in the gardens,” he admitted, glancing toward the window. “They’re quiet, away from all the demands.”
“Gardens? That sounds nice,” I said, leaning in. “I might need to check that out. I could use a place to regroup after my thrilling plunge down the stairs.”
Lucien’s lips barely twitched, a hint of amusement hidden behind his reserved demeanor. “I think you’d find them calming. Though I recommend avoiding any further acrobatics.”
“Agreed,” I chuckled, taking a bite of a scone. “I’ll stick to less dramatic entrances from now on.”
The silence lingered, heavy with unspoken words. Lucien’s expression was unreadable, and I found myself wondering what lay beneath his composed exterior. “You don’t seem particularly offended about our marriage arrangement,” he noted, studying me with keen interest.
I shrugged, trying to sound more casual than I felt. “There’s no way to change it, so why not just accept it? It seems easier than fighting against what’s already decided.”
He nodded slowly, the corners of his mouth twitching upward ever so slightly. “Pragmatic. I can respect that.”
As he prepared to leave, I sensed a shift in the air, the weight of our circumstances hanging between us. “Take care of yourself, Adrian,” he said at the door, his tone returning to its formal cadence.
“Yeah, I’ll be here—hopefully not in a heap on the floor this time,” I replied, chuckling as he stepped out.
As I sat back in my chair, I couldn’t shake the feeling that beneath Lucien’s reserved exterior, there was more to discover. While I wasn’t sure what the future held, I knew one thing: this journey was far from easy.