A Touch of Shadow: The Duke's Obsession

By the time Caelith left the embroidery house, dusk had already deepened toward night.

All that day, her mind had been in disarray. She had misstitched several patterns—errors she would never have made before. Word of Rhaegar’s kneeling before the throne had reached her, too; she had wished to stop him, yet could not even pass beyond the palace gates.

With her head lowered, she walked on, lost in thought, failing to notice the figure standing ahead.

"Miss Emberlyn."

She looked up, startled.

Lucas stood before her, a lantern in hand, its soft glow casting warm light across his features.

"It is already dark," he said gently. "Allow me to escort you home."

Caelith hesitated. "There is no need—"

"Come," he said, already turning forward. "These are unsettled times. It is not safe for you to walk alone."

Caelith watched his back in silence for a few moments—then stepped forward to follow.

They walked thus, one before the other. Lucas carried the lantern ahead, holding it just so, that all its light fell upon her path, leaving himself half in shadow.

For a long while, neither spoke.

Then, at last, "Miss Emberlyn."

"Yes?"

"The one in your heart... it is Lord Thorne, is it not?"

Her steps faltered.

Lucas did not turn. He continued forward, his pace even. "I can tell," he said calmly. "The way you look at him... is not the way you look at others."

Caelith found herself at a loss for words.

After a moment, Lucas gave a faint laugh. "Do not be concerned. I mean nothing by it. I only wished to say—"

He paused briefly.

"If ever he should treat you poorly, come to me. The doors of the embroidery house will always remain open to you."

He turned then, glancing back at her. The lantern’s glow fell across his face, warming the gentle curve of his smile. "Come. We are nearly there."

***

When they returned to the old residence, Yvaine had already prepared the evening meal.

Of late, she had grown ever more diligent—taking it upon herself to cook, to wash, to tend to every small task. The scar upon her face had yet to fade, yet she seemed no longer burdened by it.

"Dear sister, it is time to eat."

Caelith sat down and lifted her spoon. She had only taken a single bite when a sound arose from the courtyard.

She set the spoon down at once and stood.

Yvaine looked at her nervously. "What is going on?"

Caelith said nothing. She walked to the door and pulled it open.

A dark figure stood within the courtyard.

Moonlight spilled over him, illuminating a face pale as frost—and the faint trace of blood still lingering at his lips.

Rhaegar.

Caelith’s breath caught for an instant. She hurried forward and caught hold of him.

"What has happened to you?"

Rhaegar looked at her, and the corner of his lips curved faintly.

"There is a chance now."

"A chance?"

"The case," he said, his voice hoarse. "His Majesty has granted me half a month. If I solve it... the matter of dissolving the engagement may yet be reconsidered."

Caelith stood stunned.

He reached out and drew her into his arms, holding her tightly, as though he feared she might vanish if he loosened his grasp. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

"Caelith... wait for me. Half a month. I’ll make it happen."

She pressed her face against his chest. "...I know."

***

At first light the next morning, Rhaegar went to the imperial prison.

Sylric Blackmere was already there, a heap of dossiers spread across the table.

"My lord, there are new developments regarding Evren Viremont."

Rhaegar took his seat. "Speak."

"In recent days, he has visited the general store twice more. Each time, he did not linger long—but when he left, he carried something with him. Our men followed him once and discovered that he delivered those items to a private residence in the eastern quarter."

"And who resides there?"

"An elderly woman... and several young girls."

Rhaegar’s eyes narrowed. "These girls—have they been investigated?"

"We are still looking into it."

For a moment, silence settled over the room. Then, Rhaegar rose to his feet.

"Take men with you. Surround that residence—watch it closely. Not a single person is to escape."

"Yes, my lord." Sylric accepted the order and turned to leave, but Rhaegar spoke again.

"Wait."

Sylric halted.

Rhaegar fixed his gaze upon him. "Send additional men to watch over Caelith and her sister. Make them rotate their shifts to avoid suspicion."

Sylric hesitated, surprised. "My lord fears that—"

"Evren delivers goods to Ostenton Embroidery House," Rhaegar explained, his tone calm but resolute. "She draws attention, too. People might finally notice."

Sylric inclined his head. "I understand."

***

When Caelith arrived at the embroidery house that day, she noticed a carriage standing at the entrance.

It was plain and unadorned—nothing like those belonging to noble households. She glanced at it briefly, thought little of it, and continued inside.

The moment she stepped into the courtyard, she saw Lady Lian standing there.

Beside her stood a young woman.

She was dressed in pale green, her features delicate and refined. There was, in the arch of her brows and the softness of her gaze, a faint resemblance to Lady Lian. She was looking about curiously at the embroidery house, but when Caelith entered, her eyes settled upon her at once.

"You are Caelith Emberlyn?"

Caelith paused, slightly taken aback. "And you are...?"

"My name is Nareen," the young woman replied with a smile. "Florentine Lian is my mother."

At once, Caelith understood. So this was the daughter Lady Lian was talking about.

Nareen stepped closer, looking her up and down with open curiosity.

"I have heard your skill is exceptional."

Caelith did not know her intent and could only nod.

Nareen studied her for a moment longer, then suddenly laughed.

"There is no need to be nervous—I have not come to make trouble for you."

Caelith blinked in surprise.

Nareen leaned in slightly, lowering her voice.

"I know that my cousin favors you. And I also know... that you do not return his feelings."

Caelith hurried to explain, flustered, "No, no—you misunderstand. Lord Ostenton and I are merely friends."

At this, Nareen’s smile only deepened, her amusement all the more evident.