If I did not know any better, I might almost believe the lie. He certainly is selling it… rather easily, at that.
The last three days were easily the best of the marriage so far.
It was not quite where it could be, and perhaps it never would reach such a place. But in those last three days, Thalia had found a sense of comfort forming between herself and Ronan; the feeling that he accepted them into his home, was even glad that they were there, and was committing himself to ensuring that she felt the same way.
Olivia was to thank for it all. She had been so eager, and so impossibly enthusiastic. She had worn through the duke’s outer shell and forced the hidden side of him to peer out its head as if checking that it was safe to do so.
They still did not eat supper or breakfast together. They had still not spent the day together. But he was now more than happy to check in on them from time to time, to make sure that they had everything, and on more than one occasion she had stumbled into a room to find him speaking with Olivia.
Thus, today was most important.
It was the first time that she and Ronan were given time alone together. Never mind the setting. Never mind the need to present airs of romantic courtship. What Thalia wanted most was simply to be around Ronan and show him that the two could work together.
I still cannot say what I want exactly from this marriage. But that I am not so quick to dismiss the chance of something more… that says enough about how I am starting to feel.
They were standing toward the back of the garden, enjoying a glass of wine together, saying little but with no awkwardness as they looked around the garden. Few dared to approach, but none stared as the excitement and curiosity of their arrival was gone. Thalia doubted they would dance or play any games today, but she did not much want to. For now, this was enough.
“Ronan!” a voice cried out from among the guests.
Thalia turned and smiled to see a handsome lord hurrying toward them. She recognized him as one of Ronan’s friends from the wedding, and she was eager to see how he interacted with those he considered companions.
“I think it is about time I stop acting so surprised to see you out of your cave!” The lord reached them, laughing gaily to himself. “It is damn near commonplace by now.”
“Sebastian,” Ronan groaned. “If I had known you would be here, I might have stayed in my cave.”
He laughed and slapped his friend on the back before turning his attention to Thalia. “Ah, Your Grace…” He took her hand and gave it a kiss. “It is so lovely to see you again. I might have introduced myself at the wedding, but time didn’t allow it.”
“I’ll try not to hold it against you,” she said jokingly.
“Thalia, this is Duke Hawthorne.”
“Sebastion, please,” he corrected. “And I wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
“What for?” she asked.
He grinned. “For reminding this one that a world exists outside the walls of his castle.” She saw Ronan roll his eyes.
“Perhaps your thanks is misplaced,” she said. “Would you believe that Ronan was the one who insisted that we come?”
“No!” he cried.
“Yes,” she said.
He laughed further and shook his head at Ronan. “Please, tell me if I overstep?—”
“Which means you are about to,” Ronan grumbled.
“-- but do I see before me a marriage that isn’t the travesty my dear friend was predicting.” He winked and Ronan glared warningly at him. “Dare I say… that the two of you are even ha?—”
“I think I hear your wife calling you,” Ronan cut him off before he had the chance to finish. “And if she is not, why don’t you be a good husband and go and find her.”
“Trying to get rid of me?”
“Is it that obvious?”
“Yes, yes…” He grinned wickedly at his friend. “I know when I am not wanted. The lovebirds wish for some time alone…” He winked at Ronan, offered a short bow to Thalia, and ducked away.
“Sorry about him,” Ronan said, glaring after his friend. “He is…”
