The moonlight cast eerie shadows on the garden paths as Emilia instinctively moved closer to Lucas, her eyes scanning the darkness. The rustling sound had been faint, but Lucas's sudden tension was unmistakable.
"What is it?" Emilia whispered, her voice barely audible over the distant music drifting from the manor.
Lucas's gaze swept the shadows, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "I'm not sure. Stay behind me."
Emilia bristled at the protective tone, but the flicker of unease in his eyes stayed her retort. She fell into step behind him as he began a slow, cautious circuit of the garden.
The air was heavy with the scent of blooming roses, and the silence stretched tautly between them. Just as Emilia was about to speak, a figure emerged from the shadows—a slender woman with a hooded cloak pulled low over her face.
Lucas's posture relaxed fractionally, though his grip on his sword didn't waltz. "Lady Isabella," he said, his tone neutral.
The woman pushed back her hood, revealing Emilia's cousin, Isabella. Her eyes darted between Lucas and Emilia, a mischievous glive on her face.
"Apologies for startling you," Isabella said, her voice low and playful. "I saw Lady Emilia slip out and wanted to catch her. Alone."
Emilia raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Isabella was known for her sharp wit and knack for secrets. "What brings you out here, Izzy?"
Isabella's gaze flicked to Lucas, a silent question passing between them. Lucas nodded almost imperceptibly, and Isabella stepped closer.
"I needed to speak with you, Emilia. It's about... the situation with Father's business dealings."
Emilia's brow furrowed. Isabella's father, a merchant with ties to several noble families, had been involved in some questionable ventures lately. Rumors whispered he'd been caught between the crown's demands and the growing rebellion.
Lucas cleared his throat. "Perhaps this isn't the time—"
"No, it's fine," Emilia interrupted, curiosity piqued. "Is everything alright, Izzy?"
Isabella hesitated, glancing around nervously. "It's just... Father's received threats. People are talking about repercussions for his dealings. I thought you should know, especially with... tonight's announcement."
Emilia's mind raced. If Isabella's father was in danger, it could impact the entire family. "What kind of threats?"
"Anonymous letters, mostly," Isabella said quickly. "But they're getting bolder. I think someone's watching us."
Lucas stepped forward, his expression thoughtful. "I'll look into it. Do you have the letters?"
Isabella shook her head. "Father burned them. He didn't want to cause panic, but I thought Emilia should be cautious."
Emilia's thoughts swirled. Threats against their family weren't uncommon, but the timing felt off. Was this a coincidence, or a warning tied to her family's growing ties to the rebellion?
"Thank you for telling me, Izzy," Emilia said, her voice soft. "We'll be careful."
Isabella nodded, her gaze lingering on Lucas. "I should get back inside. Don't stay out too long, cousin."
With a quick curtsy, Isabella melted into the shadows, leaving Emilia and Lucas alone once more.
The silence between them was charged now, the earlier tension replaced by concern. Lucas turned to her, his expression thoughtful.
"Your family has quite the web of connections, Lady Emilia."
Emilia smiled wily. "And yours is simplicity itself, I suppose?"
Lucas chuckled, a low, unexpected sound. "Touché. But I think we should head back inside. It's not safe to linger."
Emilia nodded, though part of her rebelled at the idea of returning to the stifling manor. As they began walking, Lucas spoke up again.
"About tonight... I meant what I said earlier. You're not what I expected."
Emilia glanced up, her pulse fluttering. "And are you pleased with the surprise?"
Lucas's gaze met hers, his eyes unreadable in the moonlight. "I'm intrigued."
The word hung between them, heavy with promise. As they approached the manor's brightly lit entrance, Emilia sensed their evening was far from over.
Just as they stepped into the warmth, a servant hurried out, his face pale. "Sir Lucas, my lord—the earl needs you immediately. There's been... a development."
Lucas's expression turned grave. "What is it?"
The servant swallowed. "A message arrived. It's about your brother, Lady Emilia. Sir Edward has been seen meeting with known rebels."
Emilia's heart sank. Her brother, involved with the rebellion? The words echoed like a death knell.
Lucas's gaze locked onto hers, concern etched on his face. "I'll handle this. Stay close to the manor until I return."
Emilia nodded, her mind racing. What had Edward gotten himself into?
As Lucas followed the servant into the manor, Emilia was left standing alone in the doorway, the night air suddenly feeling colder.