“We heard that you were here…” Laurent let go of Rosaline’s hand and went for her. He took Thalia’s hand with both of his and squeezed it; the look he held her in was filled with pity. “Damien would not tell us the reason, Thalia, but if the Duke hurt you…”
“I assure you, he did not,” Thalia said. “My reasons for returning are my own.”
“There is no need to be strong for us.” It was Rosaline’s turn to go to her. She sat herself down by Thalia and put an arm around her shoulder. “After what you did for us, Thalia, you know there is nothing we will not do for you.”
“She speaks the truth,” Laurent said. “We owe you everything, Thalia. Say the word and we will shift mountains if it is needed.”
Thalia’s heart cracked to hear their words. Again, as alone as she had felt since leaving Caspian, it was nice to be reminded that there were people in this world whom she could still count on.
Sadly… and despite their offers of help… there was nothing they could do. Perhaps that hurt most of all?
“I will remember it.” She held her smile, forcing the tears that clogged her throat to remain hidden. “Truly, there is no need for such outlandish offers. I am fine.”
“Then why are you here?” Laurent asked her.
She shrugged. “Perhaps I just wished to check on the two of you. How is everything?”
They glanced between one another, a silent conversation had that suggested whatever answer they gave would not be the whole one.
“Things are going well,” Rosaline said evenly, her arm still around Thalia. “Typically, my father is not making things easy. But your brother has been good to us, and for now, we are happy. What more could we ever want?”
Her throat hurt as she tried to swallow. “And for that, I could not be happier.”
“We owe it all to you,” Laurent said, squeezing her hand. “Thalia, just remember, whatever you need, whenever you need it, we are here for you. You are not alone.”
She frowned. “And as I said, there is no need for such offers. I am fine.”
His smile suggested he did not believe her. “Just making sure. Now…” He released her hand and exhaled as he stood up. “I feel as if the two of you have much to catch up on, and I certainly do not wish to be in the way.” He smiled lovingly at Rosaline. “Find me later?”
“You could not keep me away,” Rosaline said.
They looked upon one another with such unabated loved and adornment that it made Thalia’s chest tighten, and it was all she could do not to burst into tears. They were happy, and she was glad for it…I just wish I could say the same about myself.
Laurent left them then. As soon as he did, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Rosaline stayed with her arm around Thalia, shuffling closer, her expression still etched with concern and worry. Clearly, she had not believed a word of what Thalia said. Nor should she. They were best friends, after all, and she could always tell when Thalia was lying.
What was more, she was the type of friend who would not allow Thalia to lie to her about her feelings. How could she possibly help otherwise?
“So,” Rosaline started gently. “Shall I ask again? Or are you going to tell me on your own accord?”
Despite the situation, Thalia smiled at Rosaline. “Was I that obvious?”
“You forget how well I know you.”
“And Laurent…”
“He suspects. But if you wish for me not to tell him, I will. Whatever you say I will keep between us.”
“There is no need,” Thalia sighed. “I do not want to be the cause of lies between you. I just…” She took in a rattled breath. “I just did not want to burden the two of you with my troubles.”
“You could never burden us.”
She laughed bitterly. “Care to make a bet?”
“Thalia…” Rosaline’s other hand rested on her lap. “Tell me what is wrong. Why are you back? What happened between you and His Grace? I want to help you, but I cannot do that until you tell me everything. Please…” She squeezed her leg. “You know I am always here for you, as you have been for me.”
Thalia’s smile was filled with pain, and she was certain that Rosaline could see that pain in her eyes. “Things are not as Imade them seem, between myself and Caspian…” She sniffed back the tears. “In fact, I can’t imagine how they might be worse.”
“Oh, Thalia,” Rosaline said gently. “What happened?”
