Breakfast at Ravenmoor was usually a casual affair but that morning, the energy was different. The hall was more crowded than usual. It looked like more nobles had arrived overnight.
Alina stood in the corridor with Austin, holding his hand. They squeezed each other's hands and walked into the great hall together.
The room went quiet, every head turned to look at them. Austin walked her past her usual seat and stopped beside the empty chair next to his own.
Then he pulled out the chair beside it, Audrey's chair. Alina froze. He hadn't told her anything about this.
"Austin…"
"Sit."
The room held its breath. Alina could feel every eye on her. Then Audrey walked in. She too had arrived at Ravenmoor last night. She saw them standing at the head table and instead of creating a scene, she just walked and sat on Alina's chair with a smile, surprising everyone.
Alina looked at Austin again and he nodded for her to sit. She sat down while Austin remained standing.
