Sebastian moved with precision as he practiced his sword drills. His body was taut as he slashed and defended against an imaginary enemy.
In the days after Delilah recovered from her fever and he had attended the Sol committee, he had been restless. Coming to Blackburry shouldn't have been complicated. The sale and renovation of the Georgia Manor had been taken care of before he had arrived. The ball hadn't been his idea, but Mr. Timmons had insisted, considering it was useful in making connections.
Sebastian lunged forward. The blade cut through the air. Connections, I definitely made them.
Lady Avaline was the first. As for the others, he hadn't given it much thought. His people were slow to welcome an outsider. Despite having been in Blackburry for nearly a month, none of them had reached out. He wasn't looking forward to their invitations. As it stood now, he had his hands full.
With a pivot, Sebastian slashed at the empty spot. Finishing his drill, he eased out of the stance. He wiped down the hilt before sheathing his sword. He walked toward the edge and sat, placing his sword beside him.
The training ground was empty except for him. Weapon racks lined one wall, while the others had his coat of arms. The arena where he practiced was raised slightly, and wooden beams supported the roof in a circle around the room. Sconces burned brightly against the brick walls.
Leaning back on two hands, Sebastian stared at the oval ceiling. His gaze traced the grooves on the wood and beams. His mind would have remained at peace...if he didn't recall Lord Ross. Sebastian's face fell into a scowl. That merchant was bold. If he had known Lord Ross knew Avaline and was her betrothed, he would have never reached out to him.
Sebastian rubbed his face. This is what he got for not knowing his neighbors. Wasn't he scolded for that before? Now, it was coming back to bite him.
"I have a lot to learn," he muttered to himself.
He thought to help Lady Stark, especially given how her donation had aided Delilah's recovery. It wasn't just that their...connection and lack of pretense, it was Avaline's acceptance of him and her open-mindedness.
Mr. Timmons walked into the training room. "My lord, the Starks have sent a letter."
Sebastian was immediately on his feet. He rushed toward his butler. Taking the letter from him, Sebastian opened it. Lord Stark's writing was neat and angular, his words direct. Lord Nightingale was cordially invited to Stark Manor based on a discussion of courtship for one of the Stark daughters. The appointment was in four days.
"Good news, sir?" Mr. Timmons asked.
Sebastian's smile only widened. "Yes. Prepare gifts for the Stark family."
Mr. Timmons bowed. "Right away, sir. Oh, Lieutenant Bretman is in your office."
The excitement from the letter quickly ebbed. Sebastian pocked the letter.
"I'll go see him."
As Sebastian wiped away the perspiration from his training, he walked through the manor. His men stationed along the road had noticed disturbances around the Blackburry. While the Hellios hadn't gotten closer to town, their movements were suspicious. They were territorial except when expanding that territory.
Monitoring and protecting Blackburry from the Hellios was his primary reason for accepting Mayor' Connor's proposal to move to Blackburry. Even if he was retired, for the moment, as Captain, he was required to be stationed as border defense for another ten years.
Lieutenant Bretman saluted as Sebastian entered the office.
"At ease," he said. Sebastian motioned to the couch.
Lt. Bretman sat. "Captain, I've come to report."
Sebastian gave him a look. "You've come to stick your nose into my business," he said. "Otherwise, you'd send an actual report."
Looking guilty, Bretman cleared his throat. "I'm not sure what you're referring to."
Leaning forward, Sebastian said, "Dr. Kaya seems to have loose lips."
"The good doctor is the only one informing us of what's going on at the manor," Bretman said. "How else are we to stay informed?"
"You mean gossiping?"
Bretman shifted in his seat. "About my report."
"Go ahead."
"We've stared around the clock watch at every tower," he said. "Ammunition and weapons are distributed and the barricades secured."
"Let's keep it that way." Sebastian rubbed his chin. "If they are moving, the Hellios will send a few sacrifices to test our defenses. Make sure those without experience are equally distributed among the squads."
Lt. Bretman nodded slowly with a furrowed brow. "We don't want anyone to panic."
Sebastian stared off into the distance. The watchtowers were taken care of. He'll need to check the defenses around Blackburry. The Hellios could try attacking the town directly. If they did, the guards needed to be prepared.
"So, who's the lucky lady?"
Lord Nightingale growled at Lt. Bretman. "Out."
Lt. Bretman hastily stood. "Right away, sir."
Shaking his head, Sebastian scowled at Lt. Bretman's back. It was his fault. He should have warned Dr. Kaya to maintain her silence. If only to keep his men out of his business.
"There's worse than my parents," Sebastian muttered.
***
Delilah hummed happily, her feet swinging under the table, as she ate bright red pudding with dark chunky pieces inside. Sebastian sipped on his wine. His sister's complexion had improved so much that he considered having visitors over. However, with the nature of his relationship with Avaline, it might not be appropriate. He would have to find another governess for Delilah.
"Is it to your liking?" he asked.
"Yes," Delilah said with a wide grin. "It's yummy."
"Make sure to take the medicine Dr. Kaya gives you."
Delilah licked her spoon. "Will it be more of that tasty medicine?" she asked. "She only gave it to me once, but not anymore."
Sebastian cleared his throat. No one had told her Avaline had a hand in that. It was best to keep it that way. Most blood born adults didn't need direct sanguine nourishment, but the children did. They were weaned off it as they grew, so as not to become dependent on it.
"It's special medicine," Sebastian told her. "Don't think you're going to get it all the time."
Delilah placed her spoon down. "Since I'm feeling better, does that mean Anna and Brian can come play?"
"Do you like playing with them? I remember you meeting Juniper as well."
"Brian knows a lot about horses. I like them, too." Her eyes sparkled. "We should go see the horses."
"No." Sebastian's voice was sharp.
Delilah cowered. "Sorry."
Sebastian placed his glass down. "No," he said, his tone softer. "The horses are busy. You'll need to wait." He folded his hands on the table. "What about Lady Star? What do you think of her?"
He clenched his jaw, waiting for Delilah to answer. As her brother, it was only fair to talk to her about his relationship with someone.
"I like her," Delilah said.
Sebastian smiled. "So do I."
Delilah narrowed her eyes. "Are you...planning on courting her?"
Sebastian fiddled with his cuffs. "How do you know what that means?"
Smiling shyly, Delilah said, "Mr. Timmons said you want to have a lady friend. To do that, you have to court them." She leaned forward. "So, are you?"
With his ears turning red, Sebastian emptied the rest of his drink. "Yes. That's the plan."