The morning sun spilled golden over Thomas Manor, painting the gardens in a soft glow.
Birds sang, servants bustled quietly, and still Daphne felt as though her chest was filled with something heavy.
Breakfast with her parents, with Lianna and Emma, passed in warmth and laughter, but beneath it all her thoughts strayed to him.
To the man who had waited for her, to the one who could not bear to let her go even for a night.
When the time came to leave, her parents embraced her tightly, pressing blessings over her head, promising to visit the palace soon.
Lianna clutched her hand, trying to persuade her once more to stay, but Daphne only smiled, Emma teasing that her husband would storm the manor like a madman if she lingered.
With hurried goodbyes she slipped into her carriage.
At the grand entrance of the palace, Alaric stood waiting.
He hadn't bothered with ceremony, no guards flanked him.
