Nicholas threw her an awkward smile and then went to get her a bowl of soup that he had prepared earlier. The pot was still warm, so he didn't need to light the fire to warm it up again for her.
He used the wooden ladle to scoop the soup into the bowl gently and then brought it to Sophie who couldn't keep her eyes off of him.
"This is the soup I made for you," Nicholas said softly. "I hope it's edible…"
Sophie smiled and nodded. She wiped the single tear from the corner of her eye and accepted the bowl from Nicholas' hand.
She was so relieved when she heard from him that he didn't think she was less than him. He didn't mind their difference in status. In fact, he wanted her so badly that he had to hold back himself from acting on his desire for her.
"Thank you," she said softly.
When their fingers touched, both felt electric and instantly looked at each other's faces. Their eyes locked. Both had the same longing in them.
