Eric's heart was full, watching Delia eat with a freedom and happiness he had never seen in her before. It was a simple, domestic moment, but it felt more significant than any business deal he had ever signed.
As he took a final bite of his own food, Delia asked him, her voice quiet and serious, pulling him from his happy feeling.
"What are you going to do, Eric?"
He looked at her, his fork pausing mid-air.
"About what?"
"Your brother," Delia replied, her expression turning worried. "He won't break off his new alliance with Anne so easily. I saw the way he looked at you. He believes you will threaten his spot as the head of the family, and now he wants to use Anne to solidify his position."
Eric's happy expression became serious. The light in his eyes dimmed. He looked down at the remaining food on his plate and started poking at it with his fork, a gesture of deep unease. "I know that," he replied, his voice a low murmur.
