Leaving Rina to rest, Erin and Lucian departed as Gwen urged them to leave.
The two walked upstairs toward their rooms, the silence stretching between them. Erin wondered what to say, her mind scrambling for a topic to fill the quiet.
"You went to the market today?" Lucian finally asked, breaking the silence.
"Hmm... yes," Erin replied. "I went with my brothers."
"I hope you enjoyed it," he commented.
"I did."
The silence returned. Erin glanced at him, feeling the awkwardness settle. It seems like it will always be like this—quiet, with nothing to talk about. He might prefer silence, but I can talk. It’s alright.
"How’s your wound?" she asked, deciding to try again.
"It’s fine now."
"Have you changed the dressing?"
"I will once I return home."
"On your own?" she pressed.
"Hmm."
"Maybe get a servant to do it."
"I can manage."
This stubborn man, she thought, frowning inwardly. frёeωebɳovel.com
When they reached their floor, both stopped, facing each other before parting ways.
"Tomorrow, Father will send a message to His Majesty and your family regarding our marriage. Do you have any objections?" he asked, his gaze steady, as if still seeking her permission.
Is he asking for my permission now, after deciding everything on his own? she wondered. "If I object, will you listen?"
He stared at her wordlessly for a while before finally answering, "I will."
Erin was taken aback. Was he suddenly being so obedient after being so adamant about marrying her and giving her no other choice? What should I say now? Umm... I can’t really trust him to do what he says. If I tell him not to send the message, he might actually listen, and then... no, no, that can’t happen. I want to marry him. I can’t risk my marriage on how this unpredictable man decides things. Let’s just agree to it.
"I can wait until you agree and then send the message," Lucian added.
She sighed internally. So, in the end, I’m agreeing to marry him anyway. Not that I don’t want to marry him—it’s my choice too. Though unromantic and blockhead, this is the man I love.
"You can send the message," she said finally, calming her nerves.
"Hmm."
What?! she exclaimed in her mind. What’s this "hmm"? Shouldn’t he be happy that I agreed? What kind of man is he? The more time passes, the more unresponsive he seems. What am I supposed to do with him? Is my beauty not effective on him at all? If he’s like this after we’re married, I’m certain there won’t be any children in our life. I need to do something!
Though unwilling, she turned to leave, her thoughts swirling. I’m sure I’ll remain an untouched maiden for the rest of my life. Why did Brother Rowan have to give me those books and raise my hopes? I was better off ignorant, without expecting anything at all. Ugh.
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