Elara stood in the cavernous dining hall of Cassian's manor, her hands clasped tightly behind her back. The long table was set for one, a single plate of steaming food placed at its head, surrounded by flickering candelabras. The air carried the faint scent of roasted herbs, but the emptiness of the room made her stomach twist. She had expected to dine with Cassian, to face him again after their charged encounter, but the chair opposite hers remained vacant.
A soft cough drew her attention. A young woman, no older than Elara, approached with a tray of crystal glasses. Her auburn hair was pinned neatly, and her gray uniform marked her as staff, though her sharp green eyes held a quiet confidence. "Miss Elara, I'm Lila, one of the housekeepers. Master Cassian sends his apologies; he's been called away on urgent business."
Elara nodded, masking her disappointment. "Thank you, Lila. Does he… often dine alone?"
Lila's lips quirked, a hint of amusement breaking her professional demeanor. "Always. He prefers it that way. But he asked me to ensure you're comfortable." She set a glass of water beside Elara's plate, her movements precise. "If you need anything, just call."
As Lila retreated, Elara sat, her fingers tracing the edge of the porcelain plate. The food—roasted quail with glazed vegetables—looked exquisite, but her appetite was dulled by the weight of her thoughts. Cassian's absence felt deliberate, a test of her resolve. She picked at the meal, her mind replaying their earlier conversation. His piercing gaze, the way he'd called her bold—it unsettled her, yet sparked something she couldn't name.
The creak of the door snapped her from her reverie. A man strode in, his presence as commanding as Cassian's but lighter, almost playful. He was tall, with tousled chestnut hair and a roguish grin. His tailored coat was unbuttoned, revealing a silk shirt that spoke of wealth and carelessness.
"Well, well," he said, his voice warm with mischief. "The mysterious bride. I was starting to think Cassian made you up." He stopped a few paces away, studying her with unabashed curiosity. "I'm Gideon, Cassian's cousin. And you must be Elara."
Elara stiffened, her fork pausing midair. "I am. What do you want, Gideon?"
He laughed, a sound that echoed in the vast hall. "Straight to the point. I like that. I just wanted to meet the woman brave enough to marry my brooding cousin. Or foolish enough, depending on who you ask." He pulled out a chair, uninvited, and sat across from her, his grin unwavering. "So, tell me, what's your story? Why'd you agree to this… arrangement?"
Elara's jaw tightened. She didn't trust his charm, nor the way his eyes seemed to peel back her defenses. "My family decided for me," she said simply, her tone clipped. "I'm here because I have to be."
Gideon leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Have to be? That's a poor reason to marry a man like Cassian. He's not exactly the warm, welcoming type. Or haven't you noticed?"
"I've noticed," Elara said, meeting his gaze. "But I don't scare easily."
His grin widened, but there was a flicker of respect in his eyes. "Good. You'll need that spine. Cassian's not what people say, but he's no saint either. He's got secrets, Elara, ones that could swallow you whole if you're not careful."
She felt a chill, but kept her expression steady. "And what about you? Why are you here, warning me about your own cousin?"
Gideon shrugged, leaning back. "Call it family loyalty. Or boredom. Cassian's been… different since the incident. I just want to make sure you're not walking into this blind." He paused, his tone softening. "You don't seem like the type to be pushed around. That's rare around here."
Before Elara could respond, the air shifted. Cassian stood in the doorway, his dark eyes locking onto Gideon. "Cousin," he said, his voice low and edged with warning. "You're early."
Gideon stood, unfazed, his grin returning. "Just keeping your bride company, Cassian. Someone has to." He winked at Elara before sauntering toward the door. "I'll leave you two to… whatever this is."
As Gideon passed, Cassian's gaze didn't waver from Elara. He crossed the room, his steps deliberate, and took the seat Gideon had vacated. "I see you've met my charming cousin," he said, his tone dry. "Don't let him fool you. He's as dangerous as he is talkative."
Elara raised an eyebrow, her heart still racing from Gideon's cryptic words. "And you? Are you as dangerous as they say?"
Cassian's lips twitched, a shadow of a smile. "More." He leaned forward, his voice dropping. "But you already knew that, didn't you?"
She held his gaze, refusing to flinch. "I'm learning."
For a moment, neither spoke, the tension between them crackling like a storm about to break. Then Cassian stood, his expression unreadable. "Eat, Elara. You'll need your strength."
As he left, Elara exhaled, her fork clattering against the plate. Gideon's warnings, Cassian's intensity—it was a web she was only beginning to untangle. But one thing was clear: this marriage was no simple arrangement. It was a game, and she was determined to play it on her terms.