Mara
Lucian returned late that night, shoulders heavy, eyes shadowed with exhaustion. I watched him move quietly through the room, heading to the bathroom and then slipping into bed beside me.
“How was the park with Rowan?” he asked as he settled beside me.
I snuggled into his warmth, grateful for the comfort of his presence.
“It was fine,” I said softly. “But it wasn’t fun without you.”
He kissed my forehead and pulled me closer.
“I’m sorry I didn’t come, Mara. Father kept me longer than I expected. He was dragging through every detail.” He sighed deeply.
I hesitated, then smiled.
“So… are you pumped up for tomorrow?”
He nodded.
“More than I thought I’d be.”
That brought me some relief. At least one of us wasn’t choking on nerves.
But then he added, “Father seemed off today. G
