The book was heavier than Noel expected.
As soon as his fingers closed around the worn leather spine, a shadow fell over him, blocking the warm glow from the tall library windows. He turned instinctively... and found Rowan standing far too close.
Rowan looked down at him, brows drawn together, his sharp features caught between concern and disappointment. His grey eyes lingered on Noel's face longer than necessary, as though he were searching for something... regret, perhaps, or irritation.
For a brief moment, neither of them spoke.
Noel was the first to smile at Rowan.
"Thank you," he said lightly, lifting the book a little. "I would've injured myself trying to reach that. Tragic end for a man who already died once."
Rowan stiffened, clearly uncomfortable with the humour. "It was... no trouble, Young Master Noel."
His tone was polite. Too polite. The kind that kept a distance.
Noel noticed it immediately.
He stepped away, heading toward one of the cushioned reading chairs placed beneath the towering shelves. The fabric was a deep green velvet, elegant and super soft. As he sat, smoothing his trousers, he gestured vaguely behind him.
"You may sit as well," Noel said. "Anywhere. You needn't loom behind me like a vengeful ghost. Or..." he paused, glancing back, "...just like I suggested before, you may take a short rest. I intend to remain here the entire afternoon."
Rowan's brows furrowed.
That was new.
Noel usually despised his presence. He hated being watched. He always complained. He caused trouble just to escape Rowan's shadow. And Rowan... truthfully... had always wished to be anywhere else as well.
Yet now...
"I shall remain," Rowan said firmly. "It is my duty to protect you."
Noel shrugged, already opening the book. "As you wish. Do what pleases you."
Rowan moved a few steps away but did not leave the room. He leaned against a nearby shelf, arms crossed, eyes following Noel without permission from his own mind.
Why does he not send me away?
Why does it feel... wrong to leave?
Rowan clenched his jaw.
Noel read in silence for a while, one leg crossed over the other, lashes casting faint shadows on the page. His posture was relaxed, natural... far removed from the reckless boy Rowan had grown used to guarding.
Just when Noel was busy enjoying what he was reading, he got distracted by a soft and barely audible sound.
Noel's eyes flicked up as he looked left and right. He thought maybe it was his imagination so he lowered his head to keep reading.
Another sound followed... muffled, breathy. It didn't sound anything like laughter.
His lips parted slightly.
"Where is..."
He slammed his lips and decided to search for himself. He placed a bookmark between the pages and stood, carefully moving towards wherever the sound was coming from. Rowan straightened instantly.
"What are you doing?" Rowan asked quietly.
Noel raised a finger to his lips and leaned close. "Shh."
Before Rowan could react, Noel placed his palm over Rowan's mouth.
Rowan froze.
Every muscle in his body locked at once.
The warmth of Noel's hand, the softness of his skin... it sent a sharp, unwanted reaction through him. Rowan reached up almost instinctively, pulling Noel's hand away.
"Do not..." he started, then stopped.
His breath felt... uneven.
He stared down at their hands that were knitted together. He saw that he was still holding Noel's.
It was the first time and it felt too small, soft and warm.
Rowan released him abruptly, stepping back as though his body was on fire.
'This is absurd,' he thought bitterly. 'I have served him for over a year. I despise him. So why... why is it suddenly different?'
Noel didn't seem to notice Rowan's internal turmoil.
His eyes were focused beyond the shelf, amusement dancing faintly within them.
"...Someone is being rather intimate over there," Noel whispered. "And I do not believe the library is meant for such activities."
Rowan hesitated, then followed Noel's gaze.
His expression darkened.
"That man," Rowan murmured, "is your second brother."
Noel blinked, realising Rowan's words. "Is he?"
Rowan looked at him sharply. "You did not recognise him?"
'Oh shit! I didn't even realise that. He doesn't look anything like me. Maybe I'm the most handsome one in the house.'
Noel hesitated... only a fraction too long.
"...I suppose I've been a poor son," he said lightly, smiling without meeting Rowan's eyes.
They watched as the man leaned close to the librarian, whispering something that made her flush crimson before she hurried away. Then... inevitably... his brother turned.
Their eyes met.
Noel immediately adjusted his vest, smoothed his hair, and pretended he had been reading the entire time.
Footsteps approached.
"Well," his brother drawled, smirk firmly in place, "are you truly so rude now that you do not greet your own family?"
Noel lifted his hand lazily. "Hello."
His brother laughed. "Were you following me? Planning to steal my little amusement?"
Noel's smile thinned. "I have no interest in your librarian."
"Oh?" His brother poked Noel's chest lightly. "Everyone knows you chase anything beneath a skirt."
Noel exhaled slowly, then crossed his fingers behind his back. "Not anymore."
His brother raised a brow. "Lies."
"No," Noel said calmly. "From now on, I shall refrain from pursuing anyone within this household."
"And outside it?" his brother pressed.
Noel leaned closer, voice dropping. "Tell me... are you interested in Lady Evelina?"
The smirk vanished.
"Why would I be interested in my brother's fiancée?"
Noel tilted his head. "I've ended things with her. I wouldn't mind if you tried."
His brother scoffed. "Hardly. She's troublesome. Besides, I have someone I want already."
Then his expression sharpened. "You'll regret that decision, you know."
"Oh?" Noel asked mildly.
"I hear the Ashford triplets will attend the party tomorrow." His brother's lips curved. "You should hide well."
Noel snorted. "What could three men possibly do to me?"
His brother reached out and ruffled his hair roughly. "Anything. They could end your life with a snap of their fingers."
The words lingered as Noel's smile faded... just slightly.
"Snap of their... fingers?"