I woke up earlier than usual the next morning and that could be because I fell into a deep slumber without even having my dinner. Since it was still early, Anne did not come to help me get ready for the day. I decided to wrap a thick cardigan around my body and left to look for something to appease my grumbling stomach. But, since I was not used to Gideon’s manor, I got lost fairly quickly.

　　I found myself roaming around just in an attempt to find another person who would be able to show me how to get to the kitchen but soon my hunger and slight exhaustion of walking around led me to head towards a door that led to a small garden.

　　The morning breeze greeted me, and I could not help but to take in a deep breath as I enjoyed this moment of tranquillity. This was the first time I had felt at peace ever since my father died. After he passed away, all that followed was one mess after another, one nerve-wrecking moment that continuously made my paranoia grow as every second passed by.

　　My attention then went to the rows of flower planters, appreciating the view of the colourful flowers and floral scent that filled the atmosphere. As I turned around to look at the other flowers, I froze. There was a bench in the middle of the small garden and seated on it with a book in his hand was none other than Augustus. He looked at me as though he was watching me from the moment I walked out of the door.

　　“Augustus!” I called out, hurriedly wrapping the cardigan around my frame since I only donned my night gown underneath.

　　“Good morning,”

　　“W-Why are you awake so early?” I asked. The sun was barely out yet although it was not completely dark. Dawn was indeed approaching.

　　“I could ask you the same thing.” He said instead of answering my question.

　　“I was looking for the kitchen,” you admitted.

　　He raised an eyebrow. “Why? Is something the matter?”

　　“N-No! I was just feeling a little famished.”

　　“Hm, I see.” he nodded before standing up from the bench and closing his book. He then walked towards me but did not do anything but walk past me and headed back inside the manor. I blinked at the spot where he was seated just a second ago, wondering if I had bothered him to the point where he was going to look for another place—somewhere quieter, somewhere without me.

　　A strange sadness crept up over me as it would seem that out of all three of my husbands, Augustus was still the one who I had trouble getting along with. I want to believe that some people just rather spend their time alone, free of noise and irritation, especially since Augustus is an avid reader but for him to leave whenever I was around rather sad. I wanted to apologise to him, to tell him to take his seat back on the bench while I left but when I turned to the door, I saw him waiting at the entrance.?

　　“Are you coming?”?

　　“Coming where?” I asked hesitantly and completely confused.

　　Augustus let out a soft chuckle and I felt my heart skip a beat. “Are you still half-asleep, Cordelia? Didn’t you say you were hungry? I’ll show you the way to the kitchen.”

　　“Oh! N-no! I don’t want to disturb your leisure time! You can just direct me to the kitchen, and I’ll find my way.” I quickly said, not wanting to be a nuisance to him.

　　“There’s only one minor problem with that,”

　　“Yes?”

　　“Gideon’s kitchen staff only comes to work around 8 to prepare for breakfast, and I find myself slightly peckish as well. I was thinking of making something light just to satisfy that urge and since you are here too, why don’t we go together?”

　　?“Ah…you know how to cook?” I blinked in awe.

　　Augustus nodded. “I used to spend a lot of time in my own kitchen since I did not particularly enjoy being alone when I was younger. My head chef back at the manor taught me how to cook a few simple dishes.”

　　“That’s amazing!” I beamed as I made my way towards him. “Could you teach me too?”??

　　He began to walk ahead, and I followed by walking beside him. “Only if you can keep up with my instructions.” He smiled.

　　Maybe my initial idea of Augustus was false, since watching him like this, being more talkative than usual was making me appreciate this side of him. He was attempting to be nicer to me, to be more friendly and for that, I wanted to thank him. but knowing him, he would probably try to deny the fact that he was changing his attitude.

　　“How are you feeling?’ he suddenly asked.

　　“I feel fine. I probably feel better after having a meal.” Augustus nodded. “Also, I wanted to thank you for everything. I know that it was a hard time for you with your family situation, but you still worked so hard to help us with Isaiah and to help me as well.”

　　“What does that mean? You are my family as well, are you not.”

　　I felt my cheeks heat up. “W-Well, I suppose on paper we are…” He gave me a sideways glance and I cleared my throat. “Yes, you are right, we are family.” You corrected yourself, feeling embarrassed for some reason.

　　“Your cheeks are incredibly flushed.” He commented.

　　“And whose fault do you think that is?” I huffed playfully.

　　Augustus then stopped walking, causing me to stop as well. I watched as he replaced his book under his arm before reaching his hands out to touch my cheeks. I felt a shiver run down my spine from the mere contact, feeling his cold palms on my cheeks. “Does this help?” he questioned.

　　I looked up at him, meeting his gaze and naturally my cheeks only heated up even more. The man in front of me is so beautiful that no matter how many times I look at him, I am speechless and in awe at the sight of his pale skin, his long moon-kissed hair and almost translucent eyes. Such a beautiful man who became even more stunning whenever he smiled.

　　I nodded my head slightly, hoping that it would tell him that I was fine and then he would pull away and we could continue down the hall to the kitchen but instead, Augustus leaned his face towards mine until our foreheads touched. I closed my eyes involuntarily, basking in the coldness that emitted from his skin.

　　“Cordelia.” He whispered.

　　“Mm, yes?”

　　“How are you feeling?” he asked again. “Truly?” he added.

　　“Have you been worried about me, Augustus?” I asked, slowly opening my eyes and moving back slightly so I could look at his face. He had his signature look of nonchalance, but something was different this time. His features had softened.

　　“I believe everyone was worried about you.”

　　“I asked about you, not anyone else.” I smiled, raising my hands until they rested on the back of his.

　　“Yes.”

　　“Even now?”

　　“Perhaps all I will ever feel is worried for you.”

　　I giggled. “How strange it is to see you this honest.”

　　“Mm, and I blame you for this sudden shift in me.” He said, tilting his head to the side slightly. “You have bewitched me.”

　　“I believe that is my line, Augustus,” I whispered back, reaching forward until our lips touched.

　　He pulled back after a quick moment, and I was tempted to pull him back into another kiss but stopped myself. We pulled away, suddenly embarrassed to even look at each other. The walk to the kitchen was a quiet one and when we reached, we decided to make an omelette for our early breakfast.

　　Augustus was an excellent teacher and soon we made a large omelette that we shared. The conversation then stirred to the topic of books and for a moment, everything felt right. I was happy to be there with him, to feel the comfort and peace that followed. We talked until the kitchen staff arrived to prepare for breakfast. We left after that and I wanted to head back to my room to get dressed. Augustus was kind enough to offer to walk me back, but I believe he just had a feeling I was going to get lost again.

　　“Princess!” I was starting to get used to Anne’s shouting voice by now. The both of us turned to her and she slowed her pace when she noticed Augustus with me. “Good morning!” she greeted with a bow.

　　I greeted her back and Augustus gave her an acknowledging nod. “What’s the matter?”

　　“I was looking for you, but you were not in your room!” I was about to explain to her why, but she quickly pushed a newspaper in front of us in a panicked state. “But look! You need to read this!”