“Percival!” she gasped.
She let out a little huff, a mix of humor and indignation, as he carried her effortlessly, bridal style.
“Did you think I would let you set one foot on the ground?” His lips brushed against her temple.
Her heart melted at the protectiveness in his voice. Yet, she couldn’t help but tease him.
“So now you won’t even allow me to walk? What tyranny is this, Duke?” she murmured, pressing a playful kiss to the side of his neck.
Percival tightened his hold on her, his warm breath fanning her hair. “Not until you’ve recovered fully.”
Then, his lips found hers.
His kiss was sweet and possessive, like a promise that belonged to her only.
Aurelia chuckled softly. “If you coddle me any more than this, people will think I am made of glass.”
“They may think what they wish,” he mumbled, and heat gathered low in her belly. “But you are mine to protect.”
Her heart swelled at that.Mine.How she loved it when he said it like that. Like the world could crumble, and he would still be her anchor.
Eventually, they entered the main hall. The familiar scent of polished wood and lilies filled her nostrils.
Aurelia thought she could remain in her husband’s arms forever. But then her eyes fell on the small figure waiting impatiently by Sophia’s side.
“Lottie,” she whispered, her chest aching.
The girl’s face lit up like the morning sun. She was so adorable that it almost hurt.
But Lottie wasn’t here to flaunt her new blue slippers. She wanted to attack Aurelia with as much affection as she could.
With her little legs, she started running, her curls bouncing wildly. “Mother!”
The joy in her voice was so achingly pure that Aurelia’s composure shattered.
Without hesitation, she wiggled free from Percival’s hold, and he set her down gently with a low chuckle. Then, she hurried forward till she collided with the little girl at the center of the hall.
Lottie wrapped her arms and legs around Aurelia with the fierceness of someone who had waited too long.
“Oh, my darling,” Aurelia breathed, hugging her back with equal desperation. She nuzzled the girl’s hair, inhaling the familiar scent of lavender soap. “I am so sorry. So, so sorry for leaving you.”
Lottie clung to her tighter, her small shoulders shaking. “I am not angry that you left. I was just so worried when I heard you got hurt,” she sobbed.
Aurelia felt like her heart would crack open. She leaned back just enough to cup Lottie’s cheeks, her thumbs brushing away her tears.
“See?” She gently twirled the girl with a giggle. “Do I look hurt to you now? I have more than enough energy. I am fine, my love. Perfectly fine.”
She kissed Lottie’s forehead, then lingered as if she could press reassurance into the child’s skin.
Sophia stood nearby, cradling Sir Whiskerton in her arms. Although her expression was stern as usual, Aurelia caught thefaintest crack. There was something in her eyes, like a glimmer of relief, of warmth carefully hidden beneath discipline.
Aurelia smiled at her warmly and offered a small wave.
“Even you missed me, Sir Whiskerton,” she teased her cat.
The governess’s mouth twitched, as though to deny it, but then her eyes crinkled with a smile.
“The estate hasn’t been the same without you.” Lottie squeezed Aurelia tighter.
