Nerine's steps were quiet as she followed Clara up the long hallway after dinner. The flickering wall sconces threw lazy shadows against the polished wood, and the faint murmur of the household winding down carried through the still air. Clara stopped outside her chamber door, opened it, and gestured her inside with a practiced curtsy.
"Good night, my lady," Clara said warmly.
Sofia turned in the doorway and smiled faintly. "Good night, Clara. Sleep well."
The door shut softly behind her, leaving her alone with the gentle hum of silence. She stood there for a long moment, not moving, just letting her eyes adjust to the dim golden light from the lamp on her nightstand. The idea of lying down immediately filled her with a strange tension. Sleep had not been her friend lately. The dreams—especially the last one about her mother—still clung to her like damp fabric.
She lowered herself to sit on the edge of her bed, her hands twisting in her lap.
What if it happens again tonight? she thought, a cold knot forming in her stomach. But alongside the fear was something else—curiosity. The dream had been horrifying, yes, but it had also been the closest she'd seen her mother in years.
The memory came easily—her mother, leaning over her as a child, pressing a cool, damp cloth to her forehead when she'd had a fever. "It's helpful for calming the nerves," her mother had said, her smile soft, "and it brings the heat down, too."
Nerine rose, found a cloth from her washstand, and soaked it in the cold water from the basin. She lay back on her bed, placing the cloth over her brow. The chill made her exhale in relief, her body loosening as though her mother's hand had returned, if only for a moment.
And strangely, the dream didn't come. She slept deeply—dreamless, as though someone had pulled a thick, quiet blanket over her mind.
Before she had fallen asleep, however, there had been one more presence in the corridor. Kael had gone to check on his sister, a faint smile tugging at his lips when he saw her in high spirits after dinner. She seemed to have found the company she needed. On his way back, he had stopped before Nerine's door. He stood there for several long seconds, listening to the quiet within, his face unreadable. His hand hovered briefly at the doorframe—then he turned and walked away.
"Lady Sofia."
The voice was bright and insistent. Clara's voice.
Nerine groaned softly, turning her face into the pillow. "Five more minutes…" she mumbled.
"It's almost time for breakfast," Clara replied, a touch of amusement creeping into her tone. "Lord Kael is nearly ready."
The name jolted her upright like a splash of icy water. She blinked, remembered where she was, and swung her legs over the side of the bed.
"Alright, I'm up," she said quickly. Clara helped her into her dress...unnecessary, Sofia thought, but she endured it. That was part of being a lady here: allowing others to do things she could perfectly well do herself.
By the time they stepped into the hall, Nerine's mood had lightened.
Truly a good sleep could fix anything.
She spotted Penelope walking toward her and smiled genuinely.
"Good morning," Nerine greeted, her voice warm.
Penelope's face brightened immediately. "Good morning, Lady Sofia."
They decided to walk to the dining room together. Without thinking, Sofia draped an arm over Penelope's shoulder, leaning slightly into her as they strolled.
From behind them, Kael appeared at the far end of the corridor. His long strides were quiet but steady, his eyes catching on the relaxed way Sofia clung to Penelope. Not exactly ladylike. He said nothing.
Sofia, oblivious to his presence, was chattering to Penelope. "I cleared the garden. Planted a few things—but it needs more seeds. You should join me after breakfast, make some company with the earth."
Penelope grinned. "I'd love that."
Kael heard every word and found himself amused despite the early hour. He followed them into the dining room, taking his seat as the servants began to lay the table.
Penelope's plate was filled with the same meal as Nerine's—soft bread, fresh fruit, a delicate cut of meat. Kael's, however, held his usual glass of dark red liquid… and this time, a thick, juicy steak so red it looked almost alive. Nerine glanced at it and knew exactly what it was. The realization didn't repulse her anymore—perhaps she had simply grown used to it.
She reached for the bread, spreading butter evenly across it. Without hesitation, she placed her slice of steak between the bread, cutting it into neat, bite-sized pieces.
When she finally raised her head, she realized both Penelope and Kael were watching her.
"What?" she asked, genuinely puzzled.
Penelope tilted her head. "Is that… edible?"
"Of course it is," Sofia said matter-of-factly. "It's delicious, actually. Here, you should try it." She quickly assembled another little portion and passed it over to Penelope, ignoring Kael entirely.
Penelope took a bite and laughed. "Not bad at all."
Satisfied, Sofia returned to her meal. After a few minutes, she glanced toward Kael. "Would you like to try it, my lord?"
He gave the smallest shake of his head. "I'll pass."
Sofia made a knowing little face, lips curling just enough to amuse him.
After breakfast, they stepped into the garden. Nerine was nearly giddy when she saw the little green shoots breaking through the soil. She knelt immediately, pressing her fingers into the earth and brushing the tender leaves with care. Her smile was wide, unguarded, and Kael—watching unseen from the upper balcony—felt his own mouth twitch before the expression vanished as quickly as it came.
Penelope tapped her shoulder. "Shall we go shopping? We'll need more seeds and also dresses for the ball."
They would be escorted by Kael, Penelope explained. Nerine's eyebrows rose slightly at that.
Both ladies returned inside to change—mud on hems was not exactly carriage attire. When Sofia stepped outside again, she turned and saw Kael walking toward them.
Her breath caught for a moment. The morning light caught in his dark hair, and the fine cut of his coat fit him as though the fabric had been woven to his very frame. She was… staring.
"She has seen him this morning already and now he was looking....it must be the sun rays" she thought to herself shamelessly.
Penelope, standing beside her, noticed. Her lips pressed together to hide a giggle.
Kael reached them, but before he could offer his hand to help her into the carriage, Nerine cleared her throat sharply and climbed in herself. The movement was just a little too quick, and Penelope had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing aloud.
Inside, Nerine fixed her gaze out the window as though the trees was suddenly the most fascinating thing in the world..... though it was to her. Her cheeks, however, betrayed her in their warmth.
Penelope folded her hands in her lap, the faintest smirk playing at her lips. Oh, this is going to be fun, she thought.