“Is there danger to anyone else here?” Caspian asked quietly.
She took a deep breath. She hadn’t even considered that her being here might bring trouble to Lord Rendon and his family. “I don’t think so,” she said after a moment. “Lady Manning would have nothing to gain from harming anyone here. It’s me she hated. Rosaleen told me I couldn’t come back for her, or even send word, because she didn’t want Lady Manning to be able to find me. So I don’t know if she’s still looking for me, but even if she was, everyone else should be safe.”
Caspian wrapped his arm around her, and she leaned into his warmth. “I won’t let her hurt you,” he said, the strength in his voice reassuring. “I’ll make sure you’re safe. After all, it’s my job.”
They sat in silence, looking up at the stars, and Sophia felt a peace she’d never felt before. Maybe he did care. Maybe she wasn’t entirely unlovable. Sure, it was his job, but there had to be more to it than that.
None of the other guards had ever put their arm around her while they looked up at the stars.
That had to count for something.
Chapter eight
Caspian
Caspianwasalmostoutthe front door, almost to freedom, when his mother’s voice called him from down the hallway. “Caspian, would you come to the study, please?”
Could he pretend he hadn’t heard her, or pretend that it wasn’t him?
No. She would know, and he knew better than to ignore his mother. So he turned and made his way to the study, where both his parents were waiting for him.
His mother sat in her favorite chair in his father’s study. It was a cozy chair that he knew for a fact was only there because his father enjoyed it when his mother sat with him while he worked. Lord Rendon sat behind his desk, his hands folded across his stomach as he leaned back in his chair. The pose should have meant he was relaxed, but Caspian could see the tension in his eyes.
Oh, lovely. Apparently, they were about to have a fun conversation.
“We’re so glad you’re home,” his mother began.
Caspian sighed. There was a “but” coming.
“But you haven’t spent any time with us, and I miss you,” Lady Rendon continued. “Come chat with us. What have you been up to since you got back?”
Caspian shrugged. “I’ve been eating dinner with you.”
“And that’s the only reason you came home?” Lord Rendon asked sternly. “To eat dinner with us?”
Lady Rendon shook her head at his father. “I know you don’t have long before you have to make the decision about whether you’re renewing your contract for the next year, and I have a feeling your future won’t find you here in the Northlands. I would like to spend time with you before you leave us again to find your future in Riyel, whether it’s in the Guard or in a hunt for a wife.”
Caspian’s eyes widened at the mention of marriage, and he started pacing the room rather than make eye contact with either of his parents. “It’s not that I’m trying to avoid spending time with you,” he said, “but I’m busy. I’ve been doing the festival like you asked me to, and training the guard and—”
“And that’s lovely,” his mother said. “I’m sure you’re doing a wonderful job. Has Beatrice been helpful?”
“Yes, she has been. I think the festival is coming along well.” He came to a halt in front of his mother. “Are you missing it?” he teased.
“Yes,” she admitted, “but I’m enjoying the respite, and I’m sure I’ll be back in the role next year.”
He opened his mouth to protest that he might be around to continue it next year but closed it.
It wasn’t likely, and they both knew it.
“I must say, I am looking forward to seeing what you do with the festival. You’re growing up, my son. Soon your thoughts will turn to finding a wife, and I know what that entails. I know you’ll look for a wealthy girl who has a good dowry and can help you buy your own estate—and since I prefer the country to being in Riyel, that means I most likely won’t see you as much.” His mother let out a tiny laugh. “I do love it here in the Northlands, you know. I love the festivals and the small town and the freedom to be ourselves and not be caught up in the chaos that surrounds the court.”
“It was a wonderful way to grow up,” Caspian admitted. “I’m glad that Liliana has more freedom than we did.”
“As am I,” Lady Rendon said, smiling at the portrait of their family that graced the wall to her right. “Speaking of your sister, she wishes to spend more time with you. Do you think you could start dining with us for luncheon, too?”
Caspian frowned, drumming his fingers against his father’s desk. “I’ve been eating with the guards for lunch, trying to get to know them better.”
“A good effort,” his father said, finally speaking up. “Please continue to do so.”
