When she bent over her embroidery, her profile was one of utter concentration—serene, intent. When she smiled, her eyes curved like crescent moons, soft and bright. And when she looked upon Rhaegar Thorne, there was a light she could not conceal. Luminous… burning… as though, in that moment, the whole of her world had narrowed to him alone.
He had never seen her look at him that way.
Not once.
He raised the cup again and drank.
The wine was even more bitter now.
***
The next day, under the pretense of business, he went in person to deliver an embroidery sample to Caelith.
The moment she saw him enter, she instinctively took a step back.
He set the sample down—but did not leave.
"Lady Emberlyn."
She lifted her head.
"I have heard of Rhaegar's attempt to withdraw from his engagement."
She winced, caught off guard.
