"What?" she asked. "It’s not appropriate for a lady to meet a man before anything is fixed."
"Hmm, you’re right. I will ask Father to talk to them about the engagement between you two so it will be official," Rowan said. He then turned to Euron and Rafal. "Who would come from Aaron’s side as a family to complete the formalities?"
"He has no relatives except for the family of Lord Rainier. We can arrange everything through them," Euron answered.
The moment Erin heard the name, her cold and emotionless gaze flickered, there was a change in her distant and stubborn demeanour, but she collected herself quickly, regaining her composure.
Rowan hummed, "Lord Rainier? I’ve just heard about him, but it seems like I’ll finally get the chance to meet him," Rowan said. "What kind of person is he? I heard he was Erin’s body guard to disguise himself."
Erin didn’t bother looking at her brother and instead served her brothers a tea which Bree had just brought. It was easiest way to avoid talking much.
"You can say all the good qualities of a capable young man, except that he is always detached from others and doesn’t get friendly much," Euron answered.
"Seems like an interesting person to meet," Rowan commented. "Then it’s decided. We’ll go through Lord Rainier since he’s the sole family our sister’s husband has."
"I’m not married yet," Erin commented as she passed them tea cups.
"With the kind of resolve you have to fulfill our father’s wishes, I’m sure it won’t be long," Rowan countered.
Erin pressed her lips into a thin line, staying quiet for a moment.
"When are they leaving for the northeast?" Rowan asked.
"Tomorrow morning," Rafal answered. "Aaron and Lucian are both leaving together."
"Leaving already? What about our sister meeting Aaron?" Rowan asked.
"Aaron needs to settle everything there first and establish himself as a lord. It will take a few months, so we have time," Euron answered.
"Brother, you don’t have to be in haste," Erin spoke. "Let him take care of his territory first."
Rowan raised an eyebrow. "You’re not married yet, and you’re already worrying about your husband’s work?"
Erin sighed. "Do you have to find a meaning in everything?"
"I didn’t find meaning in how your eyes filled with stubbornness, flickered and your hands almost trembled at the mention of Lord Rainier, while you don’t react when we mention Aaron so many times," Rowan spoke, his words plunging the room into dead silence.
Erin’s heart skipped a beat. Her entire body froze, her mind felt chaotic, and her hands clutched her dress. Her breath became shallow as she tried to suppress the flood of emotions she had been holding back for a while now.
Rafal and Euron glared at Rowan, recognizing Erin’s distress.
"Erin?" Rafal called softly, his voice gentle.
She inhaled deeply and looked at Rowan. "I will meet Lord Wynter when you arrange it. Now, I am tired. I want to rest." She put the tea cup down and stood up, her voice steady but distant. "Apologies for not accompanying you three for long," and with that, she walked upstairs.
The three brothers could only watch her leave.
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