Julian leaned in and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to her forehead. Olivia's hands, still resting against his chest, slowly slid up and around him. She held him back, tentative at first, then with growing certainty, as though she were finally allowing herself to believe this moment was real.
Neither of them spoke again for some time.
The silence, for once, did not feel like fear or uncertainty.
**
The days passed as usual. After spending a few more days at the castle, the count returned to his county. Julian had only a handful of conversations with Elara before she left, mostly about what she planned to do once she returned to Capital. During that time, Clara made no contact with Julian, and he did not push for any either. Now that they were both gone, the castle felt empty.
Barely two days had passed since the count's departure when another piece of news struck the Astran Duchy. The long-awaited royal visit was finally happening, and it was happening tomorrow.
**
Currently,
