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She glances at me, giggling. “They’re all nice. Thank you so much for bringing me here.”
“It’s not far from the manor. We can come back any time.” I push up from my seat. Cupping her elbow, I pull her into my chest. “I want you to be happy here, Eden. Really happy.”
Her blue eyes meet mine. Fuck, her eyes are pretty. They become even prettier when she smiles.
But then her smile falters.
“What is it?” My voice deepens.
“It’s nothing.” Wincing, she turns back to the fabric.
“Eden, please.” Gently, I turn her to face me. “If something is wrong, you must tell me. You know you can trust me, don’t you?”
She won’t meet my gaze, and all of a sudden I find myself wondering if perhaps there is more to this than whatever happened last night. Something much, much worse.
A cold feeling sinks into my bones. “Is it me?” I rasp. “Do you no longer have feelings for me, Eden?”
I don’t like to think what I’d do if that were the case.
Her eyes grow huge. “Stars no! It’s not that at all!”
“It’s not?” Relief washes over me. “But there is something. You’ve been acting so strange.”
“It’s nothing,” she says again, shaking her head. “Like I said, I’m just tired.”
I step closer to her, tiling her face up to meet mine. “You know you can tell me anything. I just want to help you, sweetheart. If something is wrong, tell me, and I can make it better.”
Her lashes lower, casting shadows against her cheeks. “It’s…” She averts her gaze. “It’s um… my cycle?”
“Your cycle?” My brow shoots up.
“Yes! It came early this month, That’s why I’ve been acting strangely. It surprised me this morning.”
“Oh…” I brush her cheek. “Does it hurt? Are you in pain?”
She grimaces. “Um… a little, I suppose.”
That won’t do at all. “I’m taking you back to the manor.” Wrapping my arm around her waist, I guide her away from the fabric.
“But there’s still so much to see here!”
“We will come back as soon as you’re feeling better.”
“But—”
“Maple,” I call out, noticing she’s just finished with her customer. “Collect everything Eden expressed an interest in and have it delivered to us by sunset.”
Maple’s face lights up. “Of course, Your Highness.”
“Lux…” Eden gasps.
As we pass the counter, I leave a bundle of gold by the till.
“Lux, you really don’t have to,” Eden squeaks. “It’ll cost too much!”
“No price is worth more than your comfort, my darling. I’m going to take you home and then I will find you the best pain relief. We’ll light a fire. I’ll bring you more chocolate tart. Chocolate helps, right?” I search her gaze.
“Yes,” she breathes. “Yes it does.”
