The last of the outside world's sounds were shut out, leaving only the crackling of firewood in the hearth and the comforting presence of her family.
She noticed that only Kaiden and Alina were in the room.
"Where are Father and Mother?" she asked.
"In the study." Kaiden pointed upstairs. "Mother said she had some accounts to finalize, and Father is with her. We were planning to have some tea together once they were finished. You're back just in time."
Alina had already walked over to a small side table, poured a cup of warm honey tea, and placed it in Eleanor's hands.
"Warm your hands. You've brought the outside chill with you."
Eleanor took the cup, the warmth of the porcelain seeping through her thin leather gloves.
Cradling the cup, she sat down in the armchair opposite Kaiden.
The room was arranged just as it always was.
