Bound by fire, Claimed by love

A Moment of Peace

The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of blooming roses as Evelyn strolled through the gardens of the Ravenshire estate. A small smile played on her lips as she spotted Isabelle waiting for her beneath the shade of a willow tree, her arms crossed and an expectant look on her face.

"You took your time," Isabelle teased, arching an eyebrow. "Don't tell me His Grace kept you captive in his arms."

Evelyn scoffed, though warmth crept up her neck. "You have an awfully vivid imagination, Isabelle."

Isabelle grinned. "I only speak the truth. Tell me, how does it feel to have the entire court whispering about you after last night's ball?"

Evelyn let out a dramatic sigh. "Exhausting. I swear, if I hear one more noblewoman speculate about my dowry or how long until I bear an heir, I might throw myself into the lake."

Isabelle laughed, linking her arm with Evelyn's as they began walking. "Such is the price of being betrothed to the most powerful duke in the empire."

Evelyn hummed. "Enough about me. I heard a certain knight has been keeping an awfully close eye on you." She turned, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Tell me, Isabelle, what exactly is going on between you and Sir Adrian Blackwood?"

For the first time, Isabelle—sharp-tongued, unshakable Isabelle—actually hesitated.

"Sir Adrian?" she repeated, too casually.

Evelyn narrowed her eyes. "Yes, Sir Adrian. Damian's right-hand man. The one who, according to the palace maids, seems quite… interested in you."

Isabelle let out an exaggerated sigh, shaking her head. "You and your wild fantasies." She nudged Evelyn playfully. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you've been spending too much time around court gossips."

"Oh, don't try to change the subject," Evelyn pressed, smirking. "I see the way he looks at you."

"And how does he look at me, exactly?" Isabelle challenged, tilting her head.

Evelyn opened her mouth to respond—only for Isabelle to swiftly cut in, her expression turning mock-serious. "Like how His Grace looks at you? Full of longing? An all-consuming passion?" She let out a dreamy sigh, clasping her hands together dramatically. "My dear Evelyn, you must tell me! Does the Duke whisper sweet nothings into your ear when no one is around?"

Evelyn groaned, lightly swatting her friend's arm. "You're impossible."

"And you're too curious for your own good," Isabelle shot back, smirking as she gracefully dodged the topic altogether.

Evelyn pursed her lips but let the matter drop—for now. She would get to the bottom of it eventually.

For now, she let herself enjoy the peaceful morning, basking in the rare moment of normalcy with her dearest friend.