“I am aware.”
“She is sweet, kind and has an empathetic soul. She feels emotions deeply.”
“I have gathered as much from my discussions with her.”
“A brother might become upset if such a sister suffered heartache.” Malcolm opened his hand and tossed a fireball as if it were nothing, even though it was clearly a threat.
“I would never knowingly or intentionally harm Lady Samantha,” Cassian promised.
“Is it your intention to ask my father permission to court her?”
Cassian’s heart squeezed. Oh, if only. “Your sister and I are friends and share similar interests. I genuinely like her, but I will not be courting her.”
Malcolm fisted a hand on his hip and held the fireball in his palm. “Why not? I thought you cared for her more deeply.”
Did he admit to his infatuation…love? “I have nothing to offer her. I am an orphan with few funds and no home of my own. If my circumstances were different, I would have presented myself to your father upon his arrival.”
“Is she aware?”
“I have said nothing. We are friends.”
“Kissed her?”
“Never. I would not do so knowing that there can be no future.”
Malcolm nodded. “I appreciate your honesty and that you are acting with honor, but I still feel her heart may be broken if you allow the friendship to deepen further with no promise in the end and that would cause my sister pain.”
“Are you warning me away?” Cassian demanded, though he did not blame Malcolm. Cassian had been as protective of Nina, especially when Orion was pursuing her.
“I am only asking that you be aware of the interactions that you share and not encourage hope.”
“Such as?” Cassian asked.
“Quit watching the sunrise with her. The two of you shouldn’t be alone in the early morning hours without anyone else about anyway.”
Cassian nodded in agreement.
Besides, Samantha would likely only be at Nightshade Manor for five more days and as much as he may wish to spend every possible moment with her, he knew that he could not and that would begin today.
Samantha should not have been surprised when Cassian did not join her for the sunrise on Christmas morning. It had been a very late night and no doubt everyone would slumber into the morning. Still, it was a disappointment not to have him by her side, but it wasn’t as if she would not see him again.
She had barely made it in time to watch the sun crest over the water and once it was enjoyed, she strolled the Witches’ Garden in meditation, then returned to bed because she had only managed to sleep three hours.
By the time she rose again, it was late morning and her stomach was grumbling and as she dressed, hoped that there was still food set out so that she could break her fast.
When she reached the dining room, Samantha filled her plate and turned to find a seat at the table. She was disappointed to note that Cassian was not present, though he often arrived later than the others.
“Eat well, Samantha. There will be little sustenance until early evening,” Petra warned.
“Hours from now. At least nine,” Maia added.
“Why?”
“Cook is too busy preparing the Christmas Feast, and foodstuffs for tomorrow, and what she can prepare early for the Wedding. We are not to bother her or any of the kitchen servants or we will be served porridge for supper.” Petra wrinkled her nose in disgust.
“There will be scones, biscuits, bread and jam set out on the sideboard for those who do not believe they can go so long without food. The tea service will also remain and be kept fresh, but there will be no proper tea provided,” Maia explained.
“By the way you spoke, I feared she intended to starve everyone.” Samantha laughed. “I daresay that we would all survive a day without a meal.”
