Isabella's smile softened as she placed a hand on Chrisinte's shoulder, her voice gentle yet filled with pride.
"You're absolutely right, Christine. Family is everything, and your enthusiasm reminds us why we do all this—to ensure our family thrives and remains united."
Christine's grin widened, nodding eagerly, but before she could dash out of the room, Isabella stopped her with a graceful raise of her hand.
"Christine, before you fetch Adrian, bring Rosalyn as well," Isabella said, her tone carrying an undercurrent of firmness. "There's something Seraphina and I need to discuss with her."
Christine tilted her head curiously but nodded. "Sure, Lady Isabella. I'll bring her along." With that, she hurried out of the room, her light steps echoing in the hall.
Once Christine had left, Seraphina leaned back in her chair, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "That girl knows something. Did you see the look on her face?"
Chris smirked. "You mean about Rosalyn sneaking off earlier? Oh, she definitely noticed. And I'm willing to bet she knows exactly where Rosalyn went."
Seraphina chuckled, her sharp blue eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh, I think we all know where she went. It's hardly a mystery. The real question is whether Rosalyn's prepared to face us after such a bold move."
Meanwhile, in Adrian's chambers, Rosalyn leaned against Adrian, her damp hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders.
She adjusted the neckline of her dress, still slightly flushed from the bath they'd shared and the intimacy before it. Adrian, his own hair tousled and slightly damp, finished rolling up the cuffs of his shirt.
"I think it's time to get out now. It should be around time to re-start negotiations. We have been here for too long now," Adrian remarked with a teasing grin, glancing at Rosalyn.
Rosalyn smirked back, brushing her fingers through her wet locks. "We? I'd say you are the one stopping us from getting out of here."
Adrian laughed, leaning down to kiss her cheek. "Guilty as charged. But we'd better get moving."
As if on cue, a rapid knock echoed from the door, followed by Chrisitne's cheerful voice. "Big brother! Aunt Rosalyn! Are you ready yet? Lady Isabella told me that you should not keep keep Lady Mira waiting.!"
Adrian opened the door to find Christine standing there with her arms crossed, a playful grin on her face. "Took you long enough! Lady Mira's waiting, and now Mother and Aunt Seraphina want Aunt Rosalyn downstairs too."
Adrian smiled, ruffling her hair. "We're coming, Cathy. Don't worry." He glanced at Rosalyn, who gave him a faintly embarrassed but amused look, before stepping out into the hallway.
The three of them descended the grand staircase together, their conversation light and easy despite the gravity of the day. At the base of the stairs, Christine turned to Rosalyn, linking her arm with hers.
"Come on, Aunt Rosalyn. Lady Isabella and Aunt Seraphina and other big sisters are waiting for you in the dining hall."
Rosalyn hesitated for a moment, glancing at Adrian. He gave her an encouraging nod. "Go ahead. I'll see you later, after the negotiations."
Christine tugged Rosalyn forward, her steps quick and eager. "You'll be fine! Trust me, they just want to talk."
As Christine and Rosalyn entered the dining hall, the lively chatter softened, all eyes turning toward them.
Isabella, Seraphina, and Chris exchanged knowing glances before Seraphina spoke up, her voice carrying a teasing lilt. "Rosalyn, how kind of you to join us. We were just talking about you."
Rosalyn's composure wavered only slightly as she took a step forward. "I wasn't aware I was the topic of conversation."
Sophia, who had already joined the ladies, leaned back in her chair, a smirk playing on her lips. "Oh, you were. Something about…vanishing earlier? Ring any bells?"
Rosalyn flushed faintly, but before she could reply, Isabella gestured toward a seat. "Come, Rosalyn. Sit with us. There are matters we need to address. Stealing a march, heh, you need to understand that is no good."
Christine gave Rosalyn an encouraging smile before slipping into her own seat, watching the unfolding scene with quiet amusement.
The room bustled with everyone taking turns teasing Rosalyn.
Meanwhile, Adrian made his way to the meeting hall, the heavy doors opening to reveal Lady Mira standing by the window. Her sharp, calculating gaze turned toward him as he stepped inside.
"Baron Everhart," she greeted, her voice smooth and measured. "I trust you are ready to continue our discussions."
Adrian inclined his head, offering a polite smile. "Of course, Lady Mira. Let's ensure the path forward is one we both benefit from."
Mira turned from the window, her gaze steady and her voice calm but laced with expectation. "Baron Everhart, I'll get straight to the point. Lira has agreed to the marriage proposal. Now, I need to know your answer. Will you accept, or shall we reconsider our options?"
Adrian's expression remained composed, his sharp eyes meeting Mira's unflinchingly. "I will agree to marry Lady Lira, but only under certain conditions."
Mira raised a curious brow, gesturing for him to continue. "Conditions? Go on, Baron."
Adrian folded his hands behind his back, his tone firm yet respectful. "First, while I may not currently have an official fiancée, I am in committed relationships with several women whom I already consider my wives. I will not treat Lady Lira any differently from them. She will have the same respect, care, and privileges, but she must also accept the nature of our family dynamic."
Lady Mira tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable. "And does that dynamic include any... expectations of loyalty or shared responsibilities within this arrangement?"
Adrian nodded. "Absolutely. Lady Lira will be treated as an equal partner, with her voice carrying the same weight as anyone else's. However, she must also respect the bonds I have already formed. There will be no discrimination or favoritism among my wives. If Countess Blackthorn can agree to this, I will honor the proposal."