They left the cabin just after midday, the horse moving at an easy pace along the forest path. Lucien rode with Elian settled securely in front of him, one arm wrapped firmly around the smaller man's waist the entire way.
Neither of them spoke much. The weight of everything that had passed between them still sat heavy and quiet, but it no longer felt crushing. It felt shared.
By the time the tall gates of the Valemont manor came into view, the sun had begun its slow descent.
Servants hurried forward the moment the horse was spotted. Lucien dismounted first, then reached up and lifted Elian down as though he weighed nothing, steadying him with both hands on his waist for a moment longer than necessary.
"You still look pale," Lucien murmured, eyes searching Elian's face.
"I'm fine." Elian gave him a small, tired smile. "Just… a lot to carry."
