Since then, Lina had deliberately tried to avoid Caelis, only allowing herself to be near him when necessary to maintain appearances. Even then, the act she put on no longer carried the same warmth as before, leaving Caelis increasingly uncertain of what she was truly thinking.
Despite her cold and distant attitude, Caelis refused to give up. He made sure Lina was always warmly dressed and comfortable within the palace. Whenever he visited, he brought her fresh flowers.
He had even noticed a peculiar habit of hers—when no one was around, she would refuse the flowers without hesitation. But whenever a third party was present, she would accept them with a polite smile.
Realizing that he could never be alone with Lina—since she always avoided him—and that she rarely left her son's side, Caelis began taking Claude out for walks beyond the palace grounds. Lina would inevitably follow, staying close enough to maintain the illusion of affection.
