Adeline stood by the window of her study, her fingers lightly tracing the cool glass as she stared out at the overcast sky. It was the day of the wedding.
Cassian and Annora.
She exhaled, pressing her forehead against the windowpane. She had told herself that she had let go of whatever she had felt, yet the heavy weight in her chest told her otherwise.
Would it truly be alright for her to sit this event out?
She turned away from the window, seeking clarity from the only person she trusted without hesitation. Her brother.
"Is it really alright if I sat this event out? It just does not seem appropriate," Adeline asked, her voice carefully neutral, but Alaric knew her too well.
Her older brother glanced up from the documents he had been reading and studied her with his usual calm expression. He didn't answer immediately, instead placing his quill down and folding his hands in front of him.
Then he smiled. "It's fine, Adeline. You don't need to go."
She hesitated. "But—"
