Chapter 33
The cold war between Cairn and Lilien lasted far longer than she’d expected.
As a result, all of Lilien’s attention was tied up with thoughts of Cairn. A whole page of the calendar had turned, and by the time the day arrived for her to revisit Lake Boltman with Victor, she still hadn’t managed a proper night’s sleep.
If Lilien had tentacles, every last one would’ve been bristling from nerves.
“Miss de Bermore?”
“…Yes?”
“Is something troubling you?”
“No, it just seemed like the view at Lake Boltman has changed so quickly. I was quietly taking it all in.”
The forest, now thick with summer growth, was even more beautiful than when she’d come with Cairn. And yet… she felt nothing. There was no excitement, only a dull sense of boredom.
“It’s changed, you say? Have you been to Lake Boltman recently?”
“Oh, no. I just meant—I was at a lake in the county last month, and I guess I was comparing it. The leaves were still sparse back then, before spring had really arrived.”
Lilien, who was never good at lying, found herself stumbling over her words.
“I see.”
Victor replied, smiling as if nothing was amiss.
“Sir Regid, isn’t it tiring? Let me row for a bit—I’m quite good at it, actually.”
“A lady should save her delicate hands. Let me handle all the heavy work.”
It was a kind gesture. But just then, Lilien really wanted to row.
“…Thank you.”
Before she knew it, they’d circled the lake and it was time to disembark. Lilien tugged her bonnet low, retied the ribbon, and watched Victor step off the rowing boat first, then offer his hand.
She took it hesitantly. When her foot wobbled on the wooden dock, he caught her around the waist. Feeling awkward under Victor’s touch, Lilien quickly slipped from his grasp.
“Thank you.”
Victor moved in closer to Lilien, flashing a smile. Caught off guard, Lilien froze. In the moment it took her to react, he leaned in, close enough that she could feel his breath.
“Sir Regid, let’s head back before it gets too late.”
Lilien blurted, turning her head away.
Something felt off. Lilien tried to tell herself it was just nerves making her more sensitive.
But her uneasy instinct was dead on.
Once they were in the carriage, Victor called to her as she gazed out the window.
“Lady de Bermore.”
“Yes?”
He leaned in again, this time so close it felt as if he might kiss her. His hand, wrapped around her forearm, felt oddly serpentine, and his breath on her cheek was stifling.
For a split second, Lilien wondered if she should let it happen, if maybe—like with Cairn—it would spark her creative inspiration.
But… she couldn’t. She couldn’t explain why, but the thought of sharing a kiss with anyone else felt suddenly dirty and unpleasant.
She turned her head firmly away and spoke in a clear, steady voice.
“Sir Regid, I’m not comfortable with this.”
Startled, Victor quickly let go of Lilien’s arms.
“My apologies, Lady de Bermore. It’s just… I thought we were on a date, so—”
“No, I only came out today as a friend. That’s all.”
With her face burning, Lilien finally managed to state her boundaries without stammering.
“Could you let me off here, please?”
Lilien said, asking to get out in Old Town rather than at home.
Victor apologized repeatedly, insisting he could at least take her all the way back to the estate, but she shook her head. She really did have errands in Old Town, and this wasn’t just an excuse to escape the uncomfortable carriage ride.
“I’m truly sorry, Lady de Bermore. Normally, when people come to places like this, well… but never mind. No excuses—it was completely my fault.”
Even his apology felt exhausting. Lilien shook her head, hiding her pale face by her bonnet.
“No, you didn’t force me or anything. Let’s just say today was a misunderstanding on both sides.”
Taking the hint, Victor left the escort to the coachman. As she stepped out with the coachman’s help, Lilien looked up at the sky.
It was a cloudless, dazzling day. The sun beat down relentlessly. Her nose tickled, and she let out a small sneeze.
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