A small table had already been set.
Two staff members moved quietly, placing dishes before stepping away with practiced discretion.
Iva exhaled slowly, her shoulders relaxing without her even realizing it.
Caleb noticed.
“I figured you’d feel more comfortable here,” he said, taking a seat across from her. “Breakfast is usually in the main dining hall with the rest of the family.”
She nodded, offering him a small, grateful smile.
“Thank you.”
The words were simple.
But they carried weight.
Because for the first time since she met Caleb, she didn’t feel like she was drowning in it.
--
After breakfast, Caleb didn’t rush her, didn’t drag her into obligations or formal meetings as she expected, didn’t overwhelm her with the weight of his world.
Instead—he surprised her.
“I have the
