In Darian’s eyes, I had always been the one to fill the space Selara left behind. I knew this long before I pledged myself to him under the family seal. Back then, I had loved him fiercely and bound myself to his house with a solemn oath.
Once, I dreamed of bearing his heir, strengthening our lineage. But the loss of my son felt like a message from fate—perhaps a child tied to Darian would never have thrived under our watch.
After taking the doctor’s draught, sleep claimed me. Deep into the night, the door creaked open.
“What did the Don’s counsel reveal today?” Darian asked quietly, stepping close, brushing a hand across my hair.
A foreign scent lingered on him—a trace of another woman’s perfume, subtle but unmistakable. I turned my face away, refusing his touch in silence.
“Nothing of concern,” I said, forcing calm into my voice. “I am well.”
Darian nodded. “The family required my presence. Business became urgent.”
I didn’t challenge him. I rolled onto my side, closing my eyes. “Then wash away the day’s dealings before resting.”