Elena awoke to the sound of curtains being drawn. A soft hum echoed through the room—Cheri's voice, bright and melodic.
She groaned quietly, stretching before sitting up in her new bed. Blinking at the soft morning light, she glanced down. She was still in her dinner gown from the night before.
"Good morning, my lady," Cheri beamed, placing a tray down on the table by the window. "You slept so soundly, I didn't have the heart to wake you."
Elena stared at the tray—fine cheeses, seasonal fruits, slices of cured meat, egg tarts, and sweet breads. It looked like a feast.
"I, ah… thank you, Cheri."
"Of course! Our Lord has requested you join him for a tour of the estate after breakfast."
Elena nodded as she bit into a sweet bread. "Ah! So good." She couldn't help but smile.
Still, a quiet thought stirred beneath her joy. Is this truly a home… or just a gilded cage?
Seamus paced the foyer, checking the time again.
He had cleared his schedule just to show her around—her new home, should she accept it. Somehow, though, he doubted she'd ever want to return to the Rosaria estate after what had happened.
His family ring flickered faintly as he mulled over the mystery of her lineage. Elena Rosaria was a noble by name, but so little was known of her. Even before her family's bankruptcy, she was nearly unheard of.
Why?
Was it because of the magic?
Every noble paid tribute to the Church and registered. The Rosarias weren't supposed to be an exception.
Later that evening, he'll read over the Church records again. Perhaps then he'd have answers.
Just then, footsteps echoed down the grand staircase.
Elena descended in a flowing dress of dark taffeta and organza, the fabric like storm clouds around her. Her black leather walking boots peeked out beneath the hem. Her curls in a bun braided with mana stones. Elegant. Ethereal. Dangerous.
Seamus stared, beaming up at her.
She smiled despite herself, self-conscious beneath his gaze. Her gloves mercifully hid the healing wound on her arm.
"Good morning, my lord," she said softly. "I look forward to this tour."
He smiled so hard it hurt.
"Please, it's Seamus," he said with a wink, his silver eyes catching the light.
She blinked. "Alright then… Seamus."
The name rolled off her lips like warm milk and honey. Familiar. Comforting. Strange, for someone she barely knew.
"Shall we get going then, Seamus?"
He didn't know why, but hearing his name from her lips felt like a spell had been cast—a lucky charm for the rest of his days.
They toured the estate grounds together. Elena was still cautious, but her walls were melting faster than she expected.
The library captivated her. She lit up flipping through books—Seamus took mental note: She loves to learn. I'll need to order more for her.
Next were the stables and garage. Elena paused near a mare who refused to be tamed. Her eyes softened.
"Same, bonita," she murmured. "Living comfortably… but always itching to run."
From there, they walked to the greenhouse, far off on the edge of the estate. They chatted like old friends, the kind who hadn't yet admitted they were more.
Inside the greenhouse bloomed foreign flowers and strange herbs from distant lands. Elena inhaled deeply, basking in the heady perfume.
Seamus leaned against a column, watching her. The ring on his finger glowed steadily now.
It's her, he realized. It's always her.
Elena sat down at a small table, sighing in relief.
"Are you in pain?" he asked gently, settling into the seat across from her.
She shook her head. "Not at all. I'm just happy to have a moment of peace… around all these beautiful things."
Seamus reached forward, lifting her chin with his fingers.
"Elena," he said softly. "Let me help you. I know this engagement came out of nowhere, and we barely know each other. But I want to be someone you can rely on."
She stared at him, too stunned to speak. Then she nodded.
"…Thank you, Seamus. I will never forget this kindness."
He smiled, considering a kiss. Just one. Would it be too soon?
Elena cleared her throat, nodding at his glowing ring. "Does your ring always do that?"
Seamus looked down. "No. Not always. Just around you."
Elena hesitated, then bit her lip. "About my magic—"
"You can stop right there," he said, squeezing her hand before standing.
"Let me show you something."