Chapter 21

Osborne I left Aina on the bed, her breathing slow and even, her face softened by the kind of peace that only sleep could bring. She looked almost too delicate to touch. It wouldn’t be long now before we wed, and from the way things had been, it didn’t seem like my father had any objections to her. Still, I couldn’t shake the thought of him speaking her mother’s name with that edge in his voice—it lingered in the back of my mind like a shadow I couldn’t quite chase away. Leaning down, I brushed a soft kiss against her lips, careful not to wake her, before heading to the bathroom. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d slept in this late—it felt strange, almost indulgent. By the time I stepped out, wearing only a pair of pants, I was already reaching for a shirt when a knock sounded at the door. I crossed the room quickly and pulled it open just enough to see one of the maids standing there. “Shhh—she’s sleeping,” I whispered, glancing back at Aina. The maid bowed her head in greeti