Serafina wandered the castle halls, her tiny hands gripping the hem of her dress as she observed the adults around her. The atmosphere in Barduff Castle had changed in a way that unnerved her; she could sense an invisible wall separating her father and Leah, even though there were no overt signs of conflict, raised voices, or outward hostility. She had witnessed Jacob's distant, sad smiles and the way she avoided spending too much time in the same room as him. Serafina didn't like something was wrong.
In the castle library, she went up to Henrietta, who was going through a stack of volumes. "Henrietta?" Serafina inquired in a low voice.
Henrietta smiled softly as she turned. "Yes, young one?"
Serafina was silent for a moment. "Is there a problem between Leah and my father?"
With a sigh, Henrietta closed the book she was holding. "Serafina, you're a sharp one." The woman lowered herself to the child's level. Your father and Leah share great love but many adults find it hard to show their feelings in the right way.
Serafina scowled. But previously, they were content. Why do they not feel joy now?
Henrietta bit her lip. What would be the proper way to explain to this child about her unconscious tension between insecurity and social standing and pride? "Any couple who loves one another may face relationship challenges even if they share strong romantic feelings. Your father faces an internal difficulty as Leah works to determine her best path forward."
After giving this some serious thought, Serafina's eyes brightened with resolve. "Then I will fix it."
Henrietta chuckled softly. "Oh, sweet one, matters of the heart aren't that easy to fix."
Serafina pouted but stayed resolute. "I'll give it a shot."
Serafina found her father in his study that night studying a manuscript but his attention was completely absorbed by something else. She walked toward him and grabbed his sleeve. Jacob looked away from his work to check out her establishment.
"Little moon, what is it?" His normal strength faded from his voice when he spoke to her.
Serafina took a seat on his lap before gazing at him solemnly. "Are you and Leah at odds?"
Jacob found the straightforward question unsettling as he became slightly tense. "What made you ask that?"
Her direct answer was "Both of you show signs of depression."
"And there is less communication between you both."
With a groan, Jacob combed through his hair. He hadn't realized how observant his daughter was. "Serafina, it's a complicated situation."
She sighed. Henrietta said as much. However, why don't you tell Leah that you love her?
Jacob let out a slow breath. "It's not that easy."
Serafina's youthful visage was replaced by a defiant expression as she crossed her arms. "It is if you just talk to her and stop being so dumb."
Jacob laughed in spite of him. "You believe I'm being foolish?"
"Yes," she firmly said. "You love Leah, and she loves you. Fix it, then.
Jacob looked at his daughter as he reclined in his chair. I wish it were that simple. If only things weren't so complicated because of his own misgivings and deeply held views. But he felt guilty when he saw Serafina's naive face. Her mother had already passed away. More uncertainty in her life was the last thing she needed.
"I'll try, little moon," he murmured softly.
Serafina beamed. "All right. because Leah appeals to me. I also want her to remain.
Jacob gave his daughter a tight hug and kissed her forehead. Even while he wanted to reassure her, he wasn't sure whether he could make Leah remain. But maybe it was time to confront his feelings before it was too late, both for Serafina's sake and his own.