She groaned and sat up—only to realize she wasn’t alone.

Her mother sat in a chair near the window, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief, and her father pacing left and right beside her with arms crossed.

"Evelyn! Dear!.You are finally awake!"

"Mother...Father...? What's going on....?" Asked Evelyn her mind still hazy.

“You’ve been asleep for three days, You collapsed. Exhaustion and fever.”

“I... escaped?” she murmured, memories tumbling back. Her meeting with prince Edward. Crown Prince Cassian's voice. Falling and kayden who once again disappeared in the shadows. She faintly remembered entering the Manor but collapsed on the entrance. 

The door opened with a soft creak.

A tall figure stepped inside.

Broad-shouldered. Golden-brown hair tousled from travel. A quiet strength in his stride.

“Brother?”

Her older brother offered a small smile. 

“Welcome back, little hurricane.”

Evelyn’s jumped in surprise.“You’re home! Eek! My leg....”

"Be careful!"

"So where were you all this time!? You didn't even attend your little sister's debutnate ball!" 

 He crossed to her, kneeling slightly to eye level. “Father sent me on an inspection. But we both know that was just the official reason.”

Evelyn’s eyes narrowed. “What were you really investigating?”

He hesitated, glancing toward their father.

The Duke sighed. “ I guess its no use to hide it from you any longer!" 

"The Crown Prince. We’ve been suspicious of his rise for some time now... but things are worse than we feared. Leon discovered irregular troop movements, secret orders, and several noble houses shifting allegiance behind closed doors. He’s preparing to seize control- very soon .”

"Then why were you and mother all happy when he sent the proposal!? Were you planning to sell me off or something?" Evelyn's eyes narrowed.

"Of course not! sweetheart. To be honest I thought may be I could be wrong in judging him to quickly without proof. He seemed like a respectable gentleman. I have seen him grow up with my own two eyes. I never expected him to plot something like this." 

Evelyn's throat dried. “He threatened me. I had no choice but to accept his invitation and go meet him.”

Leon stood, his voice calm but cold. “If he comes for this house, he’ll meet a sword long ready.” "so don't worry my dear little sister!" He smiled gently patting her head.

A knock came at the door.

"Enter!" Said the Duke.

"Your Grace, Lady Sylvia Everard has come to meet the young lady." 

"Sylvie!" Evelyn jolted.

"Sylvia?" Leon flinched. His voice barely audible, he murmured. 

"Send her in" Said the Duke." Then since Lady Sylvia is here, we will leave first." The Duke and the Duchess left the room.

Leon standing at a corner awkwardly, decided to leave as well.

"Brother...." Evelyn murmured.

Sylvia entered the room genuinely worried for her best friend. She let out a sigh of relief after seeing her healthy state.

Sylvia rushed to her side, sitting beside her on the bed, taking Evelyn’s hand in hers. “You reckless fool,” she whispered, her voice tight- tears welling up in her eyes. “Do you have any idea how dangerous it could have been!" 

Evelyn laughed faintly. “ you read my letter? Like I knew I would be falling out of a palace window?" 

“Don’t joke. You could’ve died.”

“I’m sorry,” Evelyn said, her voice quieter. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Sylvia smiled sadly. “You always scare me. That’s how I know you’re still you.” 

They shared a warm hug. After a few seconds of complete silence, Evelyn began, 

"Ummm....You surely didn't tell my parents about what I wrote in the letter right?" 

"What? You planning to face the crown prince? Or the mysterious guy you suddenly find yourself falling for?" Sylvia chuckled wiping drops of tears that welled up in her eyes.

"I am not falling for him!" Evelyn denied strongly her face completely red. "Enough about me! My brother came back today and by judging your face the moment you entered the room, You...saw him didn't you?" She tilted her head.

Sylvia looked away.

“You don’t have to lie. I saw your face.”

Sylvia stood slowly, brushing invisible dust from her skirt. “I just saw a glimpse of him from a distance. I didn’t say a word to him.”

“But you wanted to.” 

Silence took over the entire room.

“I always wanted to, but I couldn't do it...” she whispered, voice barely audible.

Evelyn reached out, grasping her hand. “You still love him.”

"Shhh!! What are you saying Evelyn! Lower your voice!." She looked here and there for any sort of presence." It doesn't matter anymore...it's all in the past!" She said in a low voice. "It's better that all those memories just stay as beautiful memories." She smiled but there was no joy in it.

Outside the door, Leon leaned quietly against the wall, eyes closed, fists clenched at his sides. 

--------

Sylvia left after a long emotional talk. 

She approached her awaiting carriage.

But she wasn’t alone.

Leon stood nearby, as if he'd been waiting for this exact moment. Their eyes met again—his steady and unreadable, hers fragile and fleeting. For a heartbeat, the world narrowed to the space between their locked gazes.

Then, with visible effort, Sylvia looked away. She climbed into the carriage.

The door shut.

The horses began to pull.

And Leon remained behind—watching, unmoving—until the carriage disappeared down the estate road.