Chapter 97.2

They rode with their upper bodies low to the horses, the wind rus.h.i.+ng past them as they galloped. Elis speed was breathtaking, and for a moment, Lia could see nothing but the blur of the trees whizzing past them.

As they neared the junction of the forest exit, Eli finally caught up to Carsos horse. Carso was surprised by the sudden pursuit, but he chuckled in amus.e.m.e.nt.

Canillia let out a cool laugh as they slowed to a stop. Lia took a moment to catch her breath, her hair tie loosened from the exhilarating gallop.

Did you want to run like that? she asked Eli, who raised his head in response.

Lia dismounted from Elis back, feeling the sweat-soaked fabric sticking to her skin. She stroked Elis coat, which was damp with exertion, and headed towards the stable. As she entered, her eyes fell upon a familiar back. It was Claude, clad in a perfectly fitted red jacket and white pants.

I thought you hadnt returned from the hunt yet,Lia thought, surprised to see him there.

Claude turned his head, still holding a paddle, and exhaled sharply upon spotting her. His face contorted into an expression of annoyance as he spoke in a cold voice. Where did you go?

Lias heart sank, as if she had done something wrong. I went for a walk. I wanted to let Eli run freely.

I used to let Eli roam the forest on his own. Hes not meant to be cooped up like this, Claude snapped.

Lia bit her lip, refraining from retorting. Though they had reconciled the previous night, and even shared a kiss, Claudes current behavior was unsettling. His voice was harsh, and his demeanor was intimidating.

After seeing to Elis needs, Lia unb.u.t.toned her jacket, fanning herself as she began to feel hot. Claudes glare intensified upon seeing her do so. Ive told you that you shouldnt exert yourself like that without warning, he scolded.

He looked down at her sweaty forehead and reached out to brush her damp bangs aside. Lia trembled at the touch of his cold fingers on her hot skin. Suddenly, Claude withdrew his hand, avoiding her gaze.

Lets go. You need to rest, he said, holding out his hand to Lia.

Lia carefully slipped off her gloves and reached for Claudes hand. He took it in his own, clasping it tightly with a sense of decorum and affection. But despite his touch, there was a disconnect between them. Lia couldnt shake the feeling that he was present yet distant, his blue eyes fixed on a point far beyond her.

Her chest tightened, a strange sensation akin to icy water rus.h.i.+ng through her veins.

* * *

Claudes piercing gaze fixed on the two letters lying on the silver tray, his expression turning icy. One missive bore the royal seal, the other the emblem of the Geore Royal family. He picked them up, weighing them in his hand, and settled heavily into his chair, weariness etched on his face.

Outside, preparations for a picnic were in full swing, but the misty weather had put an end to the hunt. His brother Carso lounged on a nearby sofa, absorbed in a book, his face wreathed in a smile that suggested he knew something Claude did not. He had been enjoying everything a little too much during their visit.

It seems the hunt was a failure today, Carsos voice rang out, and Claude turned his gaze to him.

Claude sighed and lit a cigarette, taking a long drag before settling into his own seat. It was too misty, he replied, his tone clipped.

Lies, Carso retorted, a mischievous glint in his eye. Rodrigo didnt say anything like that. He said you seemed distracted and couldnt concentrate on anything else. Why did the best hunter miss all the prey?

I didnt miss anything; I just didnt shoot, Claude replied, lighting a cigarette and taking a long drag.

Another lie, Carso grinned. I heard you shoot twice in the north forest.

Claude remained silent, his eyes boring into Carso. The younger mans blonde hair shone in the light, and his blue eyes seemed to dance with amus.e.m.e.nt. Claude approached him, exhaling a cloud of smoke. Carso continued to read his novel, his expression hardening.

Carson del Ihar, Claude said slowly, drawing out his name. Did you go to the forest with your horse?

You enjoyed yourself quite a bit in the north forest. Is that why your face is so bright? Claude continued, his eyes narrowing

Carso coughed as the smoke filled his lungs, his mind racing to come up with a plausible excuse. He stood up abruptly, but felt small and childish in front of his older brother.

I, I was resting first! I didnt know Lady Canilia would bring Eli with her. Its true!

So? How was she?

Carso was caught off guard by the unexpected question, his mind still reeling from the encounter he had just had with Canillia. He hesitated for a moment, expecting Claude to ask about their meeting, but instead, his brothers piercing gaze fixed on him, demanding an answer.

Claude flicked his cigarette into the ashtray and returned to his desk, where a letter lay unopened. Tell me, he said, as he picked up the letter and sat down in his chair. How was she?

Carsos mind raced as he tried to recall Canillias expression. Uh, well she seemed fine. She looked happy and a bit tired, so we finished the conversation quickly. But Eli really likes Lady. I was really surprised.

Claude removed the seal with a knife and took out the letter, while Carso walked around the room, trying to make sense of his own thoughts.

Dont make me crazy and get out, Claude said, his voice cold and distant.

Really, it seems like he likes her, Carso said, trying to lighten the mood.

Claudes gaze rose from the letter he was reading, his eyes locked on Carsos. There was a brief moment of silence, as the two men stared at each other, neither speaking.

Finally, Carso broke the silence, his voice laced with amus.e.m.e.nt. I dont understand having a picnic on a day like this, but I guess I have to join in too.

Carso, dont spread baseless rumors, Claude said, his voice flat and emotionless.

That the great Claude Del Ihar has fallen in love, right?

Despite Carsos playful tone, Claudes expression remained calm and collected. Its not even gossip, he said. Ive never stopped loving Lia for a single day.

Carso was stunned by his brothers revelation. He clutched his hair with both hands, his mouth agape, struggling to process what he had just heard.

After a few moments, he composed himself and disappeared from the study, leaving Claude alone with his thoughts. As he crumpled the two letters he had read one by one, his gaze shook. Darn it, he muttered.