Hayden remained seated as Damien and his guards left the area. His smile faltered as he thought about what Damien might have planned for him.
It sounded like the very plan Hayden had prepared for Eloise. Arranging an incident with her carriage to stir up the old grief Damien still carried over his late parents.
Hayden lifted his glass to his lips, needing something to calm his nerves. Just as the wine touched his mouth, he stopped and drew the glass back, inspecting it more closely.
It wasn't that he believed Damien had planned so far in advance as to tamper with the drink, but he realised that he shouldn't risk drinking further should an attack come.
He set the glass down and rose from his chair, settling his hands into his pockets as he walked towards the door, his footsteps slower than usual to prolong seeing Damien again.
Outside, the man Damien had caught eavesdropping was waiting for Hayden.
"I'm sorry-"
