Bella's POV
I spun around to find Elias rushing from the residence toward me.
He approached with respectful urgency. "His Highness has given orders for me to see you safely back to the manor."
My eyes went wide. "His Highness?"
"His Highness decreed that the Caspian estate shall handle your transportation from this day forward," Elias explained, his smile warm and his eyes kind.
I couldn't stop myself from conjuring Caspian's stern, intimidating expression. It caught me off guard—I never would have imagined someone so distant could show such consideration.
A young servant guided the carriage forward. Elias made a courteous gesture. "Lady Bella, if you please."
I offered a brief nod of gratitude and used the step to climb inside.
I departed without so much as a glance over my shoulder—abandoning Jasper and Lucius to stand there, looking at each other awkwardly.
——
Jasper, though, appeared quite satisfied. After all, Bella had turned Lucius down as well.
