Silas sat to her right on the Chesterfield, quietly drinking his own brandy and watching his sister play. It was the most peaceful they had been in each other’s company.
She blinked, trying to shake off the lingering warmth in her chest, the memory of his nearness in the library refusing to leave her. She wasn’t sure what it meant, only that it made her pulse quicken, when it should not.
“Helena, come here. Let me show you a few chords,” Amelia said with a beaming smile.
Helena smiled back, forcing herself to steady her thoughts, and got to her feet to sit on the bench beside Amelia.
“Put your hands here and here,” Amelia demonstrated it to her and Helena did her best to copy her.
She swallowed the lump in her throat. She could not start crying now.
Not even if this was the closest to safe and home she’d felt in a while.
Silas got to his feet as Helena entered the breakfast room the next morning. Amelia was wont to sleep late, so he did not expect her. He’d thought that Helena would also sleep late and so he would be able to avoid her as well, but alas. Here she was.
“Good morning. Did you sleep well?” he asked politely as he pushed her chair closer to the table.
“Yes, thank you, Your Grace. I slept very well. What about you?”
He nodded, and they stared at each other, both frozen. He was at a loss as to what to do next. After her reserved demeanor the night before, he didn’t wish to make her more unsettled.
He indicated the silver pot before him. “Would you like some coffee?”
She nodded jerkily and he instructed a maid to attend to her. Once he’d settled into his chair, another maid served him coffee and began placing food on Helena’s plate.
Helena dug in as if this might be the last meal she ever had. Silas watched her, wondering why she would behave like that.
Perhaps she has gone too long without proper food at the abbey.
The thought made his jaw tighten and a quiet surge of protectiveness coil in his chest. She shouldn’t have had to endure that. Not her.
In spite of himself, he found his attention lingering on her. He prided himself on understanding people quickly, for it was essential to his work, but Helena was different. She remained… quietly compelling, at every turn.
After sleeping on it, he realized that he could not force answers from her. If he wanted her to trust him, he would need to earn it. Which meant letting her see some part of him as well. Not all of him, of course; some pieces would always remain shielded, but enough to show her he was not just the Duke or the spy, but someone who could listen.
Someone who wanted to help.
“I see that you and Amelia are getting along quite well,” he said, keeping his voice light, curious rather than judgmental.
She turned her head, watching him cautiously. “Is that an issue?”
“No,” he replied. “I was merely observing. My sister… she’s rarely taken so easily to anyone. You’ve managed it without even trying, which is remarkable.”
Helena frowned slightly. “I am merely a guest here. I do not seek to influence her.”
“Of course,” he said, nodding. “But she is very impressionable. Even small influences shape her. If you wish to maintain harmony, it may help if she listens to those who guide her. They only want what’s best.”
Her gaze hardened, posture straightening. “And you believe she should follow orders blindly?”
Silas leaned back slightly, thoughtful. “Not blindly. But there are times when experience matters. She is learning, yes, but if she defies those who know more than she does, it could cost her dearly. Guidance does not diminish her voice. It merely keeps her safe while she learns to use it.”
Helena crossed her arms, lips tight. “She must learn to stand up for herself as well. She is not a prize to be controlled. Her voice matters.”
“I know,” he said gently, leaning forward just enough to soften his expression. “And she will have every chance to speak and decide when she is ready. For now… she must balance curiosity with caution. That is part of growing safely.”
Before he could say more, the door opened with a light creak, and Amelia entered, her eyes bright and cheerful, completely unaware of the tension in the room.
“Good morning! Why do you both look so serious?”
