54. The Things She Doesn't Say
Caspian'
I don't like silence, not this kind. The mansion is usually quiet, but today the silence feels different. It's heavy like the walls themselves are waiting for something.
Asena excuses herself after lunch, smiling apologetically as she sets her napkin beside her plate.
"I'll freshen up," she says softly.
Zavian nods without looking up from the document in his hand.
"Take your time."
She smiles again. Another one of those smiles, small and peaceful. The kind that never reaches her eyes.
"I won't be long."
She disappears up the staircase and I watch until she vanishes around the corner. Only then do I realize I'm still staring.
Zavian notices, "you've been doing that all afternoon," he says.
"I know."
"You think something is wrong."
"I don'
