The three of them waited in the hall. Time stretched longer than expected, silence only broken by the distant clink of porcelain from the maids serving breakfast elsewhere. An hour later, the sound of footsteps finally echoed on the polished stairs. Aurelia, Selena, Lilliane, and Lisa descended together as if on cue, their chatter and laughter carrying ahead of them.
Kyle immediately let out an exaggerated groan.
"Took you long enough! I thought we were planning a trip, not a—"
A sharp smack landed on the back of his head before he could finish. Aurelia's glare was enough to silence him, and for once Kyle thought it wise not to retort. Luca, watching, wisely decided to keep his own mouth shut as well.
Vincent set down his teacup and rose without a word.
"Let's go to the stables. We'll pick our horses there and leave."
Everyone followed him out, the morning air crisp with the scent of dew and fresh earth.
