Alina finally opened the door and saw Austin standing outside, still slightly unsteady from the wine.
She did not step aside or invite him in. She stayed where she was, her arms wrapped around herself, looking at him with quiet resolve.
"I don't want to go with you," she said. "I want to stay in my room tonight…Please."
She had never asked him for anything before. She had endured whispers, judgment, and humiliation with her chin up.
But now she was asking, almost begging and she hated herself for it. But she really didn't want to be near him tonight, after everything that had happened. She wanted to be alone to process her thoughts.
He froze. The faint unsteadiness in his posture disappeared.
"Please," she said again, softer this time.
He nodded and stepped back.
"Goodnight, Alina."
He turned and walked away without another word.
Meanwhile, in her chambers, Audrey sat at her writing desk. She dipped her quill into ink and began to write.
