Hours later, Zayne and Viola departed from the Hawthorne estate, leaving Iris to settle into her bedchamber.
Viola parted after speaking with Eloise again in private, confirming that she would be well without her.
Damien sat at the table in their chamber, papers spread before him detailing the estate's storage and accounts. His eyes skimmed the papers for errors, but his attention went elsewhere when he caught sight of Eloise lying upon the bed. He lowered the paper, his gaze softening.
"Are you unwell now?" Damien asked, setting the paper aside. He worried that Eloise had overworked herself and made herself the one now ill.
"No, only a little tired," Eloise replied, too tired to move a muscle. "There was so much moving about and talking today, but I enjoyed it all. I only need to close my eyes for a moment."
She rested her head against the pillow, inhaling a faint scent of lavender.
