I swallowed, drawing in a quiet breath as I gathered my gown in my hand and hurried after him.
Soon enough, we arrived at a table set beneath a wide willow tree, its long branches casting a cool shade over the space. Two chairs were placed opposite each other, and a simple arrangement of food rested neatly between them.
He walked toward it without pause and took his seat, not sparing me a single glance.
I remained where I stood.
Frozen. Unsure whether to sit… wait for him to order or even ask.
"You may stand there all day if you wish," he said at last, finally lifting his gaze to mine. "Though I do not recall asking you here to admire the ground."
I froze. My fingers tightened slightly as heat rose faintly to my face.
He need not be rude. I rolled my eyes inwardly.
Without a word, I stepped forward and took the seat across from him, smoothing my gown as I sat.
I kept my gaze lowered. But I could feel his eyes on me.
Silence lingered for a while.
