Acacia took another bite, glancing at Irene with a small, teasing smile. "You know… I never realized how long a day can feel until today. Do you ever get bored here? Or does the estate keep you busy enough?"
Irene smirked lightly. "Bored? Rarely. There's always something to do, training, patrols, studying maps or reports. But sometimes… I imagine what it would be like to wander the gardens with no purpose at all."
Acacia laughed softly. "That sounds… peaceful. I've always liked gardens. Quiet paths, flowers… something to just get lost in."
Irene's smile softened. "You'd probably sketch everything you saw."
"Guilty," Acacia admitted, her cheeks tinged with color. "And maybe talk to myself a little while I'm at it."
Irene chuckled, the sound lighter than it had been since the ambush. "That doesn't sound too bad. I'd probably do the same if I had the chance."
Seren watched while eating from the head of the table, silent but present, his eyes calmly following their interaction. There was no sharpness in his gaze, only steady reassurance. He didn't speak, letting the girls' conversation flow.
Acacia took another bite, savoring the warmth of the food and the calm of the moment. "It feels strange," she murmured, "to just sit and eat after… everything that happened today."
Irene reached over lightly, brushing her fingers near Acacia's hand in a comforting gesture. "Strange, yes. But also… good. We survived. That's what matters."
Acacia nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. For the first time since the ambush, she allowed herself to relax completely.
As they finished their meal, the quiet of the dining room was broken by the soft clatter of footsteps on the polished floor. A butler entered, bowing respectfully. In his hand was a sealed letter, its wax marked with the crest of House Ashcroft.
Seren took the letter with a nod and broke the seal, reading it silently for a moment. He looked up at Acacia and said, "Your family will arrive tomorrow morning to bring you home."
Acacia's lips curved into a small, relieved smile. "Tomorrow… they'll come for me?"
"Yes," Seren said, his voice calm. "Rest well, tonight"
Acacia looked down at the letter, the familiar crest of her family bringing a quiet sense of comfort. She glanced at Irene, who offered a reassuring nod.
Seren rose, indicating it was time to retire for the night. "You should both rest. Tomorrow will be a long day when your family arrives."
Acacia nodded, sliding her chair back quietly. "Thank you," she murmured, glancing at Irene.
Irene smiled softly. "Come on, let's get out of here before we start falling asleep at the table."
The two girls rose and followed Seren out of the dining room. The soft glow of lanterns lined the hallway as they made their way to their rooms. The estate was quiet.
Once inside, Acacia and Irene set down their things and changed into comfortable night attire. Acacia stretched slightly, a small sigh escaping her lips. "It feels… nice to just relax."
Irene nodded, sitting on the edge of her bed. "Yes. Finally."
For a while, the two lay in quiet comfort, the events of the day slowly receding.
Irene broke the silence, her voice soft but hesitant. "Can I ask you something?"
Acacia turned slightly toward her, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "What?"
"I've been contemplating a lot whether I should ask or not," Irene admitted, her fingers tracing idle patterns on the blanket. "And finally… after completing it for the hundredth time in my head, I'm asking, earlier, in the carriage… you zoned out and you looked pale. What happened?"
Acacia blinked, a little surprised at the directness of the question. She knew who she was now but she didn't feel safe enough to reveal everything. She took a slow breath.
"Did I look that bad?" she asked with a soft laugh, trying to lighten the tension. "Can I tell you later… when I'm ready? Would that be alright?"
Irene's brow furrowed slightly, worry evident in her eyes. "Are you sure? You don't have to..."
Acacia reached out and brushed a reassuring hand over Irene's. "Don't worry. Nothing happened that should worry you. Just… give me some time and I'll let you know later."
Irene nodded slowly, still concerned but trusting Acacia's words. For a long while, they lay in quiet comfort again, letting the stillness of the night wash over them.
Acacia shifted slightly, letting the blankets cocoon her and allowed herself to relax fully.
Irene let out a small, content sigh, stretching her fingers lazily.
"Good night," Irene murmured softly, her voice almost a whisper.
"Good night," Acacia replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. Her eyes fluttered closed, the warmth of the room and the sense of safety around her lulling her into calm.
The two girls drifted into sleep, the events of the day fading into the quiet hum of the estate.
Tomorrow would bring family, comfort, and perhaps a return to the life she had known but for tonight, there was only peace.
Seren made his way slowly down the dimly lit hallway, heading back to his room. The estate was quiet, the faint crackle of lanterns the only sound yet his mind was anything but still.
He kept replaying the moments from earlier in his head, the hurried reports from the guards, the chaos of the ambush and how he hadn't been able to reach them sooner. The thought gnawed at him: what if he had arrived even later? The idea of them in danger for even a moment longer twisted uneasily in his chest.
Even as his footsteps echoed softly on the stone floor, Seren found his thoughts circling back to Acacia. It wasn't just concern for her safety, it was something more, something he hadn't fully admitted even to himself. A protective edge lingered in his mind, sharp and unrelenting, warning him of anyone or anything that might harm her.
He realized, with a flicker of unease, how possessive he felt. Not in the casual sense of ownership but in that quiet, urgent desire to be near her, to ensure that no one could ever put her in danger again. Each movement she made, each decision, seemed to echo in him and the idea of leaving her alone even within the safety of the estate, pressed uncomfortably at his chest.
It was a feeling he neither wanted nor fully understood, yet it was there, persistent and impossible to ignore. He shook his head slightly, forcing himself to focus on what he could control, the present, the safety of the girls.
Acacia and Irene had spent the early morning freshening up, they changed into comfortable clothes. Acacia in the garments she had borrowed from Irene, soft and practical, while Irene opted for something light and easy to move in.
Acacia carefully packed her belongings, making sure the small seeds she had bought at the flower arcade were safely tucked away. Once done, she followed Irene down the hall.
Seren was already seated in the dining room, waiting patiently. The table had been set neatly, sunlight filtering through the windows, casting a warm glow over the polished wood. Breakfast was laid out with care: fresh bread and rolls, fruit preserves, honey, soft-boiled eggs and steaming mugs of tea and cocoa. Acacia and Irene joined him and the three of them ate quietly at first, the aroma of food mingling with the morning air, comforting and familiar.
After the meal, they lingered at the table, sipping tea and talking softly. Seren kept the conversation light, teasing Irene gently about her morning clumsiness, while Acacia listened and laughed quietly, feeling a rare ease. The morning stretched lazily, the tension of the previous day slowly dissolving into calm.
By mid-morning, the sound of hooves echoed across the estate's stone driveway. The Ashcroft family carriage approached, and soon the estate gates opened to welcome them.
The carriage doors swung open and the Ashcroft family stepped onto the driveway. The head butler quickly moved forward, guiding them toward the estate. The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of dew and polished stone as they made their way inside.
As they entered the hall, the family found Seren, Acacia, and Irene already seated, waiting calmly. The atmosphere was quiet but filled with warmth, the soft light of the hall highlighting the familiar faces.
Acacia stood immediately, her eyes brightening as she saw her. The Duchess hurried forward without hesitation, wrapping her daughter in a tight embrace. "My darling, you're safe!" she murmured, her voice thick with relief.
The Duke and the stepbrothers, Astor and Dominic, scanned Acacia carefully, taking in her well-being from head to toe, concern etched on their faces.
Acacia pulled back slightly, a small smile on her face. "I'm fine," she said softly, reassuring both her mother and the others watching.
The Duchess's eyes then shifted to Irene. Gently, she reached out and caressed Irene's cheek, her touch soft and tender. "Are you… alright?" she asked quietly, concern lacing her voice.
Irene inclined her head slightly, offering a small, reassuring smile. "I'm fine, thank you, Your Grace," she replied, her tone calm yet sincere.
The Duke stepped forward, scanning Acacia carefully from head to toe. Concern still lingered in his gaze. "How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice a mixture of worry and relief.
Acacia gave a small, bright laugh and replied, "Never better."
He then turned to Seren. "Thank you for keeping her safe," he said firmly, his tone carrying genuine gratitude. "And Irene... how are you feeling?"
Irene nodded politely. "I am fine, thank you for your concern, sir."
The Duke's expression softened further.
The Duke paused then asked with a frown, "And the Duke and Duchess Veltorin? Where are they? We haven't seen them."
Seren replied smoothly, "They are out of town due to work. They will return tonight."
The Duke nodded, satisfied. "Take care," he said quietly.
Acacia looked at Seren and Irene once more, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you… take care of yourself," she whispered.
Irene returned the embrace, firm and reassuring. "Always," she replied softly.
With farewells exchanged, the Ashcroft family prepared to depart. Acacia settled back into the carriage, her heart lighter, carrying the warmth and the quiet comfort of being safe as they headed back toward the Ashcroft estate.