The Veltorin estate stood tall under the deepening hues of twilight, its stone walls catching the flicker of lanterns that had just been lit. The sun had dipped below the horizon. Guards moved swiftly along the outer gates, securing the perimeter with silent urgency.
Outside the estate, the Ashcroft guards who had accompanied the carriage were offered a place to rest. Food and water were brought out, the trays balanced carefully by Veltorin staff who moved with trained efficiency. The guards sat near the gates, quiet but alert, their armor scuffed, some with light bandages wrapped over sleeves or brows. The danger had passed, but the night still carried its weight.
Within the main hall, Seren Veltorin sat at a writing desk, his expression stern as he dipped his quill into ink. The parchment bore clean, deliberate strokes as he penned a letter to House Ashcroft, detailing the ambush on the road, the arrival of reinforcements and most importantly Acacia was safe under his roof. Once finished, he sealed it with the crest of House Veltorin and handed it to one of the waiting veltorin guards.
"Take this to their estate at once," he instructed, his tone firm. "Ride without delay."
The guard saluted, clutching the letter close and departed into the night.
At the Ashcroft estate, the household prepared for supper. The long table was set, silver polished, candles flickering, yet the seats felt emptier than usual. The Duchess's gaze lingered toward the doors more often than her plate while Astor and Dominic sat restless near the hearth, exchanging glances they did not voice aloud.
The sound of hurried footsteps broke the silence. A guard, dusty from the road, entered the hall and bowed deeply. In his hand was a sealed letter, its wax marked with the crest of House Veltorin.
The Duchess rose at once, her expression tightening. She accepted the letter but before she could open it, the Duke's voice cut across the room, firm and steady.
"What is it? What business brings a Veltorin letter to us at this hour?"
Astor stepped forward, his brow furrowed. "Why would they send a letter here now?"
Dominic's voice was quieter, though laced with unease. "Mother… what does it say?"
Breaking the seal, the Duchess unfolded the parchment. Her eyes moved quickly over the words, her lips parting slightly as she read. When she looked up, relief softened her face, though it did not erase the tension.
"She is safe" the Duchess said.
The Duke leaned forward sharply, his gaze fixed on her. "She is safe? What are you talking about?"
The Duchess drew a steadying breath and held up the parchment. "The letter says Acacia, while on her way to drop Irene at the Veltorin estate, was caught in an ambush. The carriage was attacked on the road. But.." she pressed the letter closer to her chest for a moment, "she is safe. Both she and Lady Irene are at the Veltorin estate, safe."
The Duke's jaw tightened as he leaned back in his chair, his face carved with stern lines though his eyes betrayed a flicker of relief. "The Veltorins have done well to protect them," he said at last, his voice low. "But tomorrow, I will see with my own eyes that my daughter is unharmed. Tonight, let her rest where she is."
Dominic exhaled, his fists unclenching against his knees. Astor let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, though worry still lingered in his eyes.
The Duchess carefully folded the letter, holding it to her chest for a heartbeat before laying it aside. "I will send a reply at once," she said firmly, then turned to the steward to dictate:
"House Ashcroft is grateful to House Veltorin for their swift protection of our daughter, Acacia. We hope Lady Irene is well and unharmed as well. We shall arrive tomorrow morning to pick her up. Until then we extend our gratitude and trust in your vigilance."
The steward sealed the letter with the Ashcroft crest and a fresh guard was dispatched to ride into the night with the reply.
Silence returned to the hall, broken only by the faint crackle of the hearth.
The Duchess looked at her sons, her voice soft yet resolute. "Tomorrow, we bring her home. It is a relief Irene was with her, she has always been remarkable with a blade. Thank the heavens they are both safe."
Astor's fists clenched on the edge of the table. "Tomorrow? We shouldn't wait! Acacia could still be in danger. I want to ride to Veltorin's estate tonight myself and see her."
Dominic held up a hand, his tone calm but firm. "Astor, we have to trust the Veltorins. They protected her and ensured she is unharmed. Riding out in the dark will do nothing but put us in harm's way as well."
Astor's jaw tightened, his gaze flicking between his brother and parents. "I can't just wait! She's my sister. How can I sit here while she's miles away, even if they say she's safe?"
Dominic leaned forward, placing a steadying hand on Astor's shoulder. "And if we ride out recklessly, we might make matters worse. Tomorrow morning, at first light, we will go. We will bring her back safely and we'll do it with our full strength and the right support."
The Duke's stern gaze softened slightly as he nodded. "Dominic is right. We leave at dawn. Tonight, she rests in safety. We will not risk ourselves or her further."
Astor exhaled heavily, still restless but finally sank back into his chair, his eyes flicking toward the letter. "I suppose… we have no choice but to wait."
Dominic gave a small nod. "We wait and tomorrow, we bring Acacia home."
The room fell into quiet again, the crackle of the hearth filling the space as the family absorbed the weight of relief and lingering worry, each silently counting the hours until dawn.
Acacia had changed from her travel-worn dress into something soft and comfortable, the weight of the day's terror finally giving way to exhaustion. She sat on the edge of her bed, letting out a slow breath, hands resting in her lap.
Across the room, Irene adjusted the sleeves of her own garments, now loose and comfortable.
There was a soft knock on the door.
"Come in," Irene called, her voice calm.
The door opened, and Seren stepped inside, his presence steady and commanding. "Dinner is served," he announced. "Let's go."
Acacia and Irene exchanged a glance, both rising from their seats. They had freshened up and changed into comfortable clothes, yet the events of the day still lingered in the tension of their shoulders and the wary flicker in their eyes.
Together, they followed Seren down the stairs, the soft sound of their footsteps echoing through the hall. At the foot of the stairs, Seren paused, letting them take in the warm glow of the dining room.
The dining room was spacious and warmly lit, lanterns hanging from wrought-iron brackets casting a soft glow over the polished oak table. The table was set with fine silverware, the plates arranged with care and crystal goblets glinting in the flickering light.
Steam rose gently from a variety of dishes: roasted meats, fresh vegetables, and fragrant breads, all arranged neatly on silver platters. A pot of spiced tea sat at one end of the table, the aroma mingling with the warm scent of freshly baked bread.
"Sit, eat, regain your strength," he said, his tone firm but not unkind.
Acacia let out a slow breath and nodded. "Yes… we should eat."
Seren motioned for the girls to take their seats. "Everything has been prepared to your liking," he said, his tone calm but commanding. "Eat first. The rest can wait."
Acacia settled into her chair, her fingers brushing the edge of the table as she took in the comforting surroundings. For the first time since the ambush, a small sense of normalcy crept in. She glanced at the plates, the food, the steady presence of Seren and let herself relax just a little.
Irene sat beside her, her posture straight and attentive, yet the tension in her shoulders had eased slightly. She picked up her goblet, inhaling the scent of the tea, and allowed a small, almost imperceptible smile to touch her lips.
Seren took his seat at the head of the table, his sharp eyes scanning the room, ensuring everything was in order. "Eat well," he said once more.
The soft clatter of cutlery and the quiet murmur of conversation filled the dining room as the evening meal began. Seren's sharp eyes, however, never left the girls entirely. His posture straight and alert, subtly observing every gesture, every glance.
"House Ashcroft has been informed of your safety," Seren said, breaking the comfortable silence as he placed a platter of roasted vegetables in front of Acacia. "They will be relieved to know you are unharmed."
Acacia looked up, a small, grateful smile on her lips. "Thank you… and thank you for keeping me safe," she added, her gaze shifting toward Irene. "I'm sorry for putting you in danger."
Irene shook her head gently, a calm expression on her face. "You haven't put me in danger. Did you even know those masked men?"
Acacia lowered her eyes, still uneasy. "No… but still, I'm sorry."
Irene held out her palm, resting it lightly over Acacia's hand in reassurance. "It's alright. You did what you had to. That's all that matters."
Seren's eyes flicked between them, his tone steady but carrying a hint of warmth. "Both of you acted with remarkable presence of mind. There's no need for apologies tonight. You survived, and that is what counts."
Acacia let out a small breath, visibly relaxing, then glanced toward Seren. "And… the Duke and Duchess of Veltorin? Where are they? I haven't seen them since we arrived."
Seren's gaze softened. "They are out of town on work matters."
Acacia nodded slowly "I see.."