The carriage rolled forward, wheels crushing over cobblestones.
Nero stretched lazily through my thoughts.
[Host. Explain how a simple outing became… this.]
I watched the city draw closer through the window. Banners, movement, colour beginning to spill into view.
I truly do not know.
[Tea escalated into shared transportation with unresolved emotional tension. Impressive efficiency.]
Across from us, Lucien lounged like he had chosen the arrangement rather than forced it into existence. Ophelia sat beside him but nothing about her posture was small. Her eyes moved constantly, bright and curious, absorbing everything with the certainty that she was meant to be there.
She leaned forward toward the window without hesitation.
"Oh, it is beautiful," she said, not quietly, not apologetic. "I have never been to this side of town."
Lucien smiled at her reaction, the tension in him easing.
Elias did not smile.
