After Evelyn and Gareth left the room, I found myself standing alone in the silence of my study, the weight of their news still heavy on my mind. But as the moments passed, another thought began to take over—a thought that had a way of easing the tension in my chest.

Elara.

It was strange how she had this effect on me, this ability to calm the storms in my mind with just the thought of her. Her presence was like a balm, soothing the rough edges of my world. I wondered where she was at that moment and then remembered: she should be in her etiquette classes with Lady Evelyn’s tutor, Madam Clarice.

A smile tugged at the corner of my lips as I imagined her there, trying her best to navigate the labyrinth of courtly manners. The idea of her struggling to balance a teacup or curtsy just right was almost too endearing. Without realizing it, my feet began to move, carrying me out of the study and down the corridor.

As I walked, my thoughts lingered on her beauty—so delicate and otherworldly, like something out of a dream. But it wasn’t just her appearance that captivated me; it was the way she made everyone around her happier, brighter. Her laughter was infectious, her smile capable of lighting up even the darkest room. With every thought of her, my steps quickened, anticipation building within me. I needed to see her.

I turned the corner, and there it was—the door to the room where her lessons were being held. I paused for a moment, listening, and a soft giggle reached my ears. Her giggle. It was a sound that made me smile like a hopeless little boy, something I hadn’t done in years.

I walked to the door, and as I reached the threshold, I stood there, watching unnoticed. Inside, Madam Clarice was speaking, her tone patient and instructional. Elara was sitting across from her, her eyes wide with focus and determination, a side of her I hadn’t seen before. She was so engrossed in what Madam Clarice was saying that she didn’t even notice my presence.

I let my eyes wander the room, taking in the scene, when suddenly, Madam Clarice signaled to someone I hadn’t noticed. My gaze followed hers, and I saw a young man stand up from his chair. He was about Elara’s age, with an air of confidence that made my brow furrow. “Who is that? And what is he doing here?” The questions raced through my mind.

I watched as the young man approached Elara, his movements smooth and assured. My eyes narrowed when he reached out and took her right hand, his other arm wrapping around her waist to pull her close. Elara let out a soft squeal of surprise, blushing as she looked away. The young man gazed at her with a look of desire that made my blood boil.

Rage surged through me, but I forced myself to stay put, my fists clenched at my sides. I wanted to rip him away from her, but I held back, watching as they began to dance. The young man—whoever he was—was too close, his hands too familiar. And the way he looked at her... it took everything in me not to intervene.

A few moments later, Madam Clarice noticed me standing in the doorway. “Your Grace,” she acknowledged, her voice respectful but surprised.

Elara, startled by Madam Clarice’s voice, stumbled and nearly fell. My heart lurched, ready to rush to her, but before I could move, the young man caught her, steadying her with ease. She smiled up at him, her cheeks still flushed. “Thank you,” she said softly.

And then her gaze shifted to me. Her smile grew even wider as she greeted me. “Good afternoon, Your Grace.”

I forced myself to smile back, though my attention was still divided between her and the young man who had yet to be introduced. “Good afternoon, Elara.”

Madam Clarice cleared her throat, drawing my attention back to her. “Your Grace, we were just concluding our lesson on courtly dances. Elara has shown great enthusiasm and is learning quickly.”

I nodded, still unsettled but maintaining my composure. “That’s good to hear. You’re doing well, Elara.”

She beamed at the compliment, and it took all my willpower not to let my gaze linger too long on her. Madam Clarice then gestured to the young man beside Elara. “May I introduce Zachary, the son of Baron Milton? He has been assisting with the dance lessons.”

“Greetings, Your Grace,” Zachary said, bowing with practiced elegance.

“Zachary,” I acknowledged curtly, barely looking at him. My tone was polite, but I didn’t bother to hide the edge in my voice. There was something about him that I didn’t like, though I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. 

Turning back to Madam Clarice, I asked, “Are you done for today?”

Madam Clarice hesitated, sensing my desire to speak with Elara alone. “Yes, Your Grace,” she replied. “That will be all for today.”

Both Elara and Zachary looked confused, glancing at each other as if the lesson had ended prematurely. But I ignored their confusion. “Elara,” I said, my tone softening as I addressed her, “I’ll escort you to your room so you can prepare for dinner.”

She hesitated, glancing at Zachary briefly before nodding. “Of course, Your Grace.”

Elara took my offered arm, and as we walked out of the room together, I could feel the eyes of Zachary and Madam Clarice on us, but I paid them no mind. The moment we were alone in the corridor, Elara looked up at me, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “I didn’t expect you to visit me during my lessons,” she said with a playful smile. “Is there something you wanted to see?”

I chuckled softly, my earlier irritation fading in the warmth of her presence. “I was just curious about how you were faring. It seems you’re picking up on these courtly skills quite well.”

She sighed, a hint of exasperation in her voice. “It’s harder than it looks. I’m not sure I’ll ever remember all the rules and manners. I still can’t believe they expect us to remember the difference between all the forks and spoons.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at her frustration, finding it utterly charming. “You’ll get the hang of it. And even if you don’t, I’m sure no one will dare to criticize you in my presence.”

She smiled, her cheeks turning the faintest shade of pink. “Thank you for the vote of confidence, Your Grace. But I think it’s best if I learn to navigate this on my own—without relying too much on your protection.”

We reached the door to her room, and Elara let go of my arm, only to grab my hand a moment later. I looked down at her, my eyes drawn to her lips, so soft and inviting. I wondered what it would be like to kiss her, to taste the sweetness that seemed to radiate from her every word and gesture. 

“Your Grace?” Her voice broke through my trance, pulling me back to the present. She was staring up at me with those big, innocent eyes, completely unaware of the thoughts running through my mind.

I lifted her hand to my lips and pressed a gentle kiss to it. “I won’t be able to join you for dinner tonight, but I hope you enjoy it,” I said, my voice lower than I intended.

Her eyes widened in surprise, her voice coming out in a slightly higher pitch. “Thank you.”

I smiled, letting my gaze linger on her just a moment longer before releasing her hand. “Good night, Elara.”

“Good night, Your Grace,” she replied softly, her voice filled with something I couldn’t quite place.

I turned and walked away, each step feeling heavier than the last. As I left her behind, I couldn’t shake the image of Zachary’s hands on her, the way she blushed and smiled at him. The way he looked at her... 

A deep, possessive anger stirred within me, but I pushed it down, reminding myself that she wasn’t mine. Not yet, at least.

But the thought of anyone else laying claim to her was unbearable.