"Why is your chamber so quiet? No maids? How do you even live like this?"
Lumina's voice echoed softly against the high stone walls as she moved cautiously forward, her fingertips grazing the smooth cold surface of a thing placed around.
Ashen walked a few steps behind her, silent. He didn't answer immediately, simply watching her attempt to memorize the space.
She turned too quickly feeling his presence behind her and but her foot got tangled in the edge of her gown.
She lost her balance, her body tipping forward. For a split second, it felt like she would fall but before she could hit the ground, Ashen stepped in with sharp speed, wrapping one arm around her and catching her against his side.
The world froze, her breath hitched. His body was warm, steady, holding her up like the fall had never even happened.
"You are only just realizing you might not survive without maids?" His voice was dry, teasing, but his arms remained firm around her waist, steadying her.
