But even as he tried to convince himself, something cold and terrible settled in his gut. Because Iris wasn’t the type to make empty threats. When she said something, she meant it.
And he’d just given her every reason to leave.
What have I done?
The question echoed through his mind as he sat alone in his solar, surrounded by papers that suddenly meant nothing,listening to the sound of his own breathing in the oppressive silence. He’d wanted to protect himself from being hurt. Wanted to push her away before she could leave on her own terms.
Instead, he’d just ensured she’d leave hating him because she’d been right about everything. He was a coward. He was cruel. He was so terrified of being vulnerable that he’d rather destroy what he cared about than risk getting hurt.
I should go after her. Should apologize. Should tell her the truth about why I’ve been actin’ this way.
But his feet wouldn’t move. His pride, that damned, destructive pride, kept him rooted to his chair.
Tomorrow then. Tomorrow, we’ll talk, and I’ll explain, and she’ll understand.
He clung to that thought like a drowning man to driftwood, desperately trying to convince himself it was true even as something deep inside him whispered that he’d just made the biggest mistake of his life.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
“Where’s Lady Iris?”
Codie’s question cut through the tense silence that had settled over the dinner table. Elijah had been staring at his untouched plate for the past ten minutes, acutely aware of the empty chair beside him.
“I daenae ken, lad. Probably with her sister.” He forced himself to take a bite of beef though it tasted like ash in his mouth.
“But Miss Lydia’s nae here either.” Codie looked around the great hall. “Neither is Mairie. Where did they all go?”
“How should I ken? I’m nae their keeper.” The words came out harsher than intended, and he saw Codie flinch. “Just eat yer supper.”
“Aye, Faither.” The boy’s voice was small, subdued.
Damn it. Now I’m takin’ me foul mood out on him too.
They ate in silence after that, the scrape of utensils against plates the only sound in the cavernous hall. Usually, Iris would be filling the quiet with conversation, asking Codie about his day, making plans for tomorrow’s activities. The absence of her voice made the space feel hollow, empty.
She’s just avoidin’ me. Makin’ a point. She’ll come down eventually when she’s hungry enough.
But even as he thought it, doubt crept in. Because Iris was stubborn, and she’d been furious when she’d left his solar. The kind of furious that didn’t fade after a few hours.
Twenty minutes passed. Then thirty. The servants began clearing plates, and still, Iris hadn’t appeared.
Elijah’s jaw tightened. This was ridiculous. She was acting like a child, starving herself to avoid him. Well, he wouldn’t stand for it. She could be angry all she wanted, but she needed to eat.
“Aliana.” He gestured to the nearest maid. “Take a tray to Lady Iris’ chambers. Make sure she eats somethin’, even if she says she’s nae hungry.”
The maid looked at him oddly, confusion crossing her face. “Me laird, I daenae think…”
“Did I ask ye to think? I asked ye to take food to me wife.” His voice sharpened with irritation. “Now.”
“But me laird…”
“What?” The word cracked like a whip, making several nearby servants jump.
Aliana swallowed hard, her face pale. “Lady Iris isnae in her chambers, me laird. She left the castle this afternoon.”
The world seemed to tilt sideways. “What?”
“She left, me laird. With Miss Lydia and Mairie. They took one of the carriages about four hours ago.” Aliana’s voice was barely above a whisper. “I thought ye kent. I thought... I assumed ye’d given permission for the journey.”
