As the sound of the Blackwoods' carriages faded into the distance, Alaric lingered in his room, a rare smile lighting his face. The meeting had gone better than he had dared to hope. For once, the weight of his responsibilities felt lighter, and he allowed himself a brief moment of happiness. Evelyn had agreed to their union, and both families had accepted their relationship. It was a victory he hadn't thought possible just weeks ago.
Sitting on the edge of his bed, he chuckled softly, thinking about Evelyn's glances during the meeting and Lucy's barely contained excitement. "So, this is what peace feels like," he mused, running a hand through his dark hair.
Before he could drift further into his thoughts, a knock came at his door. "Alaric," Maria's voice called gently, "come downstairs. Your grandmother and I need to discuss the guest list with you."
