“Choose whatever suits you. They are in the cedar chest,” I answered.
“But I cannot find—”
At that moment, a physician called me to assist with an urgent case, so I cut the link short. “I must attend my duties. Find it yourself.”
Not long after, his voice pressed again into my mind. The shirts are wrinkled. Have you not pressed them? I cannot appear before the council like this.
Then came another complaint: And no meal has been prepared?
Before I could respond, the chief doctor summoned me to his chamber. “Liora,” he said warmly, “your strength has returned. The family elders speak highly of you. The Don wishes to discuss advanced training in the northern territories.”
I had once declined such an opportunity, believing I would soon bear Darian’s heir and remain within the estate. But that dream had crumbled like dry leaves under frost. Building a family with him no longer felt like a sacred path—it felt hollow. Staying by his side seemed not only futile but dangerous to my own ambitions.
“I have reconsidered,” I told the doctor with steady resolve. “I will accept the assignment.”
He nodded in approval. “A wise choice.”
He instructed me to prepare for departure once the cycle was confirmed. His encouragement strengthened me. Perhaps this was the beginning of a life shaped by my own decisions, not by the shadow of another.
The day passed with work flowing like the river through the estate. When night finally fell, I remained inside the hall, sorting parchments and accounts. Only when Darian’s secure call reached me did I realize how late it had become.
Why have you not returned? Where is the evening meal?
The thought of stepping back into the estate beside him filled me with unease. I chose to remain and finish my tasks.
“My duties shifted unexpectedly,” I replied calmly through the channel. “I will eat here tonight. You may prepare your own supper.”
Here? His tone carried surprise.
In former days, leaving him without a prepared meal would have been unthinkable. I had tended every fire, every table, three times a day.
“Is there trouble?” he asked.
“No,” I replied. “Only work.”
After a pause, he spoke again, softer this time. Do not exhaust yourself.
“Thank you,” I answered, without warmth.
Silence lingered between us before he finally asked, Liora… are you upset with me?