By afternoon, the house had grown quieter. No more maids peeking in. No sounds of clinking dishes. Just the hush of golden halls and the distant echo of their soft steps as Riella and Amelia wandered.
The estate was unlike anything they'd known. Every corridor was a painting. Every door a mystery.
They peeked into a music room with golden instruments. A small library with sky-high shelves. A gallery of portraits — many of Kael himself, in various uniforms and expressions.
"He really does like to look at himself," Amelia whispered, giggling behind her hand.
Riella smirked. "He's too handsome not to."
By the time they made it back to their room, a maid was already waiting at the door.
"Master Kael requests your presence for tea in the west salon."
---
The salon was wide and quiet, bathed in a soft amber hue. Kael sat near the window, wearing a white tunic with gold accents, calm as always.
He didn't speak of politics or danger. There were no mentions of generals or traitors.
Just warmth, fruit tea, and soft biscuits.
"I trust you've been well cared for?" he asked, glancing between them.
"Yes," Riella answered first.
"I'm grateful for your patience," he continued, pouring tea himself. "You'll be returning to Lady Chloe's care this evening. She's asked for you both."
A pause.
Riella felt a tiny flutter of disappointment. Not fear — just the unease of unfinished answers.
Kael offered a light smile. "She was worried. I think she misses your chatter."
"Does that mean we're free to go?" Amelia asked cautiously.
"For now," Kael said, lifting his cup. "Until the time is right."
Neither girl asked what that meant.
But the words hung behind his smile like a shadow in Sunlight.
The carriage that Kael arranged was nothing short of regal — polished wood, velvet cushions, quiet horses that moved like they knew they carried something precious.
Riella and Amelia sat side by side, heads leaned slightly against the window, the sky already tinged with the rose-pink of evening.
"Do you think he's really just being nice?" Elya asked.
Riella didn't answer right away.
"I think he's hiding more than he says," she finally replied. "But at least he's not cruel."
That had to count for something.
---
Chloe's manor came into view like a painting dipped in gold. The lights were on. The windows open. And Chloe herself stood waiting at the entrance, wrapped in a light shawl, her expression unreadable.
As they stepped out of the carriage, she rushed toward them, arms outstretched.
"My stars! I was beginning to worry!" she said, embracing them both tightly. Her voice was cheerful… but her eyes darted. Nervous. Guarded.
"Why did he send us back?" Amelia whispered.
"I don't know," Riella said under her breath. "But I think something's changed."
---
That night, after long baths and warm food, Riella lay in bed beside her best friend once again. But sleep didn't come easily.
She kept hearing the name Leonardo.
And kept seeing Dimitri's blue eyes in the dark.
Not angry. Not cruel.
Just… haunted.