The grand dining hall's air felt suffocating for the servants, despite its massive size as they watched their masters eat. Elise sat at one end of the long, polished table, her eyes fixed on the plate in front of her.
This place was no longer the same after Adella's death.
The clink of silverware against porcelain filled the room and the sound of the occasional sip from a glass of water were the only conversation between Elise and Rayn.
It was quiet, but not in a peaceful way… more like the calm before a storm.
Rayn sat at the head of the table, his expression neutral, almost unreadable.
Every now and then, Rayn glanced at her, but his gaze always seemed to falter, as if he couldn't quite meet her eye. Thoughts racing in his mind.
Did she like the food? Is eating with me too uncomfortable?
On the other hand, Elise wondered if he felt guilty. He should.
Eighteen years.
