Celia sat there in silence for a long while after her son left. She slowly finished off the ale Callum had brought for her but she didn't speak.
The kitchen workers had finished preparations for the following morning and told the commander that they were retiring for the night. When they asked if he needed anything from them, he quickly declined and allowed them to go on their way.
Knowing they were truly alone, Callum scooted closer to Celia on the bench and he put an arm around her shoulders. She immediately melted into him and leaned into his side.
She didn't look up at him right away so he gently cradled her face with his other hand and made her look up at him. She had a conflicted expression on her face.
"Are you alright?" he asked her, his voice quiet.
Celia gazed at Callum's face and was met with only genuine concern. She couldn't stop herself from reaching up and touching his face in return.
