The carriage slowed as we neared the gates of our estate. Elias straightened slightly beside me, though his hand had not left mine.
Outside, the estate gates opened.
The world returned all at once.
Voices. Guards. The faint metallic echo of armor.
Duty.
The carriage came to a gentle stop.
For a moment, neither of us moved.
Then Elias stepped out first. The door opened, cool evening air drifting in. He turned and extended his hand toward me.
I placed my gloved fingers in his.
He helped me down carefully, one hand firm at my waist, steadying me as my shoes met the ground. The gesture was simple. Proper.
But his thumb brushed lightly against my side before he let go.
"You should rest," he said quietly.
"You say that as though you intend to do the same."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"I have something to attend to."
"Church related?"
His gaze sharpened just slightly.
"Perhaps."
