“I refuse to be linked with Hazel in any way,” Kennard interjected firmly.
“That’s beside the point. The issue is that Your Grace has already imprinted on Elena,” Serin persisted.
In response, Kennard grabbed a large cushion from the bed and flung it at Serin. Dodging the incoming cushion, Serin caught it and hugged it to his chest. “You understand better than anyone why I’m saying this,” Serin sighed, tapping the cushion gently as he approached the bed.
Kennard settled onto his side, propping himself up on one arm, while Serin returned the cushion to its original position.
“Once Elena realizes she’s been imprinted by Your Grace, regardless of her status or memory loss, there will be those who seek to harm her. Your Grace wouldn’t want that. So, before others find out…” Serin trailed off, implying his suggestion.
“Release Elena? Is that what you’re proposing?”
“Yes.”
After a brief pause, Kennard responded with a sigh, laden with resignation. “I have no intention of forcibly keeping Elena by my side.”
“Do you think that’s the truth given the current circumstances? Especially with knights surrounding her constantly?” Serin pressed on.
Kennard had no inclination to heed Serin’s suggestion of releasing Elena. Yet, he harbored a fervent hope that she would choose to remain by his side above all.
“She must come to me willingly,” Kennard stated firmly.
Serin’s brow twitched at Kennard’s words. “So, you’re knowingly turning a blind eye to her suffering, hoping she’ll seek your aid? You truly are a terrifying man, Your Grace, though you’re fully aware,” Serin remarked with a mix of admiration and concern.
As Kennard remained silent, allowing the weight of the moment to linger, Serin extinguished one lamp after another in the room before sighing and departing.
Kennard remained still, keeping his eyes closed until he detected the soft click of the door as Serin departed. The room plunged into darkness, except for the dancing flames in the fireplace.
“A terrifying man…” Kennard muttered, pondering Serin’s parting words. A hollow laugh escaped him involuntarily, as if echoing in the dimness. In the shadows, Elena’s image flickered, her delicate features and tear-filled gray eyes haunting his thoughts. It seemed as if she were there before him, her presence palpable enough to almost feel her breath against his skin.
Raising his hand as if to caress Elena’s cheek, Kennard pondered aloud, “A price for breaking our promise. It’s only fair to allow this much, isn’t it?”
***
“Why are we having tea outdoors in this freezing weather?” Cura complained, her lower lip jutting out in a pout. She spoke in a hushed tone, mindful of the nearby handmaids accompanying Hazel.
“At least it’s in a greenhouse,” Elena remarked, her words punctuated by the frosty air. Her breath billowed out like smoke with each word she uttered in response. Despite her thick coat and gloves covering her velvet dress, the cold still gnawed at her bones.
Cura sighed, lifting and then lowering the silver tray carrying the tea set. “You seemed surprised when they mentioned it was an outdoor garden initially.”
“Yeah. It was lucky that Lassino managed to persuade them.”
Stepping into the greenhouse, a wave of warmth enveloped them, akin to a gentle breeze. A momentary flush graced their pale cheeks, and their fingertips, numbed from carrying the tray, tingled in response.
At the heart of the greenhouse, Hazel and Carmen sat across from each other at a circular tea table. The tablecloth draped over it was adorned with intricate white flower embroidery, reminiscent of snowflakes, cascading down to the ground. Serin’s careful cultivation was evident in the transparent glass vases showcasing the greenhouse’s flowers, positioned at the table’s center.
The handmaids swiftly arranged plates of bread, butter, and biscuits onto the table, while Elena placed the tray with teacups and the teapot on a nearby surface. Her hand trembled as she reached for the teapot handle, threatening to spill its contents.
Hazel observed Elena with lowered eyelids, her gaze intense. Elena, avoiding eye contact, poured tea into another cup, the fragrant steam and robust aroma filling the air as the cup filled with herbal tea. With utmost concentration, Elena placed the teacup before Hazel and Carmen, ensuring a gentle touch to avoid any clinking sound as the cup met its saucer.
