By the time the carriage wheels rolled away from Hazem's estate, Eiden's mind had already shifted to his next destination.
Unlike Hazem, Delphine would be a conversation worth savoring.
***************
The bell above the door chimed softly as Eiden stepped into Delphine's boutique.
The familiar scent of fine fabrics and pressed lavender greeted him, far more welcoming than the oppressive sunroom he had just escaped.
Delphine was already at the counter, her auburn hair pinned up in its usual messy twist, glasses perched on the tip of her nose.
Her sharp eyes flicked up from the fabric swatches in front of her, arching a brow with that no-nonsense stare only she had perfected.
"Duke Castemire.." she drawled, not bothering with a curtsy. "If you've come to bribe me into working miracles again, at least bring pastries next time."
Eiden chuckled, the stiffness in his shoulders easing immediately. "Ah, you wound me, Delphine. Miracles? I'd never burden you with anything so mundane. Merely… art."
She snorted, setting her swatches aside. "Flatter me all you like, Eiden. What's the job?"
He leaned against the counter, his lips curving into a softer, more genuine smile. "I've acquired a new rabbit."
Delphine's brow rose higher. "A rabbit?.."
"A very particular rabbit.." Eiden mused. "Small. Slender. Skittish. He has these wide, emerald eyes that make him look perpetually startled, and a mouth far too quick with sarcasm for his own good."
"You've bought yourself a stray.." Delphine concluded, but there was no malice in her tone. Only intrigue.
"I have..." Eiden's gaze softened. "He's barely taller than my chest, with a figure slim enough to slip through cracks. I'm rather… fascinated by him."
Delphine's lips twitched. "Fascinated, hmm? You, fascinated by a man?"
"I want you to doll him up.." Eiden said, folding his arms as his mind painted the vision. "twenty sets of daywear, comfortable yet tailored. Nightwear, soft fabrics. And I'll require five ensembles fit for courtly events and balls. Something elegant, but not gaudy. He's delicate, but not fragile."
Delphine was already scribbling notes. "Measurements?"
Eiden gave a faint grin. "I took the liberty of estimating. You'll need to adjust once you see him, of course."
She tapped her quill against her chin, thoughtful. "I'll need to see his posture, how he carries himself. You're asking for clothing that'll let him blend in, yet stand out when necessary. That's a delicate balance."
"I trust you, Delphine. You've never failed me."
Delphine lowered her glasses, peering over the rim. "No, but this rabbit of yours isn't fabric, Eiden. I need to see his figure.."
"Very well.." he said with a nod.
She nodded. "I'll have preliminary designs ready in three days. Bring your rabbit by then."
Eiden inclined his head. "You have my gratitude, as always."
"Don't thank me yet.." Delphine muttered, already reaching for fabric samples. "I haven't seen this rabbit, and I'm already imagining trouble."
"Trouble does seem to follow him like a shadow.." Eiden said with a chuckle, "but that's what makes him interesting.."
Delphine didn't say anything for a while as Eiden stood up to leave. He has finished the business that required him to move around. So now he would return home to oversee his council duties.
"I don't mean to pry, but how young is this rabbit?"
Eiden paused his steps, his hands behind his back as he smiled "Mhm— a decade younger..."
-_-
Delphine was visibly shocked, she had seen all kinds of women around Eiden, but none this young. Sighing, perhaps it was a good thing, a younger partner would teach him some new lessons.
Eiden turned again "The designs for my rabbit should be pretty—Delphine. You can send a letter to my estate or come to see him for yourself when you're ready."
Eiden leaned back into the seat of the carriage, his notebook resting open against his lap.
His pen glided across the pages, jotting down the day's movements, the subtle shifts in Duke Hazem's tone, Gareth Voleyn's choice of phrasing, Delphine's reactions.
Every nuance mattered. Every glance, every hesitation, was a thread that, when woven correctly, would form the perfect snare.
By the time the carriage rolled through Castemire's iron gates, the sun had begun its descent. Eiden closed the notebook with a quiet snap.
Evan awaited him at the estate's grand entrance, bowing as Eiden stepped down.
"My Lord, welcome back."
Eiden offered a small nod, eyes flickering toward the upper floors. "Where's Anore?"
Evan's expression barely shifted, but the pause was telling. "He hasn't come out, sir.."
Eiden's gaze narrowed, a frown etching into his otherwise polished features. "It's already past three noon. Did he at least eat his breakfast?"
"No, sir. He hasn't touched it."
Eiden exhaled, a low hum of displeasure vibrating in his throat. "Get me some fresh food. I'll handle it."
A short while later, Eiden ascended the stairs, the tray of food balanced in his hands. His steps slowed when he reached Anore's room.
The untouched breakfast tray Evan had left earlier still sat by the door, cold and ignored.
He sighed, his knuckles rapping twice against the door.
"Anore. I'm coming in."
No answer.
Eiden pushed the door open.
The curtains were drawn, casting the room in a soft, suffocating gloom. His gaze immediately found the small figure curled up on the bed.
Anore's back was to him, his knees drawn tightly to his chest, his slender frame trembling with quiet shudders.
His hair had fallen messily over his face, obscuring it, but Eiden didn't need to see it to know the expression.
He set the tray on the bedside table, his movements deliberate, unhurried. Crossing the room, he sat down at the edge of the bed, the mattress dipping beneath his weight.
"Anore." His voice was soft, but there was a firm undertone to it.