The trade negotiations had gone well. The great hall was busy with farewells, handshakes, and promises of the future. Lord Prescott's family was leaving. Servants carried luggage through the corridors, and outside, horses stamped in the courtyard.
Alina was in her usual seat, finishing her breakfast. She had spent the entire night thinking about Audrey's words. She didn't know what that meant. She wasn't even sure whether she wanted to find out.
She was pushing a piece of bread across her plate when a shadow fell over her.
"Miss Ashworth."
She looked up.
"Lord Prescott."
"May I?"
She gestured to the chair beside her and he sat. He was quiet for a moment while the great hall buzzed around them.
"I wanted to say goodbye," he said. "But I wanted to tell you that I hope we meet again. I genuinely enjoy spending time with you."
His words were sincere.
