The rain fell in a soft, steady rhythm in a cleansing drizzle.
The scent of wet stone and earth filled the air as mist coiled around the edges of the courtyard below.
Brandon stood on the balcony with his arms loosely wrapped around Florence from behind.
She leaned into him, her hands resting over his forearms, feeling the slow rise and fall of his chest against her back.
For a long moment, the rain fell around them as they stood there silently.
Then she leaned forward, resting her forehead against his chest, breathing in the warmth of him against the cool air.
That was when the faint sound of footsteps echoed behind them.
"Mother…"
Florence blinked and turned her head slightly to look at Kiera, who was standing at the edge of the balcony, her long blond hair clinging to her shoulders.
"Kiera," Florence said gently, a small smile touching her lips as she turned within Brandon's arms.
