Page 107 of Bound By Crimson
Kai shifted slightly.
“We… haven’t picked one yet.”
Mrs. Thornwick’s smile didn’t falter.
“Ah. Well. There’s still time.”
Lyric swallowed hard, suddenly hyper-aware of her bare left hand.
Why wasn’t there a ring?
Kai reached beneath the table, squeezed her knee gently, like a silent reassurance.
But her thoughts kept circling.
She wanted to be excited.
Instead, she felt like she’d been offered a future wrapped in lace—
Only to find the edges fraying in her hands.
---
That night, after the table had been cleared and the manor dipped into its nightly silence, Lyric slipped into Kai’s room as she always did. The hallway felt colder than usual. The shadows stretched a little longer. Still, when she opened his door, his soft smile greeted her like always.
They climbed into bed together, limbs folding naturally. He kissed her shoulder, resting a hand gently against her belly.
“Five months already,” she said, her voice low in the dark. “How much longer should we wait… if we’re going to be married?”
Kai didn’t tense, but he went still. Then he pulled her hand up and pressed his lips against her ring finger.
“First, we need to get you a ring,” he whispered. “The right one. The perfect one. I’ll find it for you. Don’t worry.”
His thumb brushed soft circles over the bare skin, and her eyes fluttered shut. That was all it took to anchor her again.
“Maybe we should just elope,” she said softly. “I mean… I don’t really have anyone. No family to invite. It would be easier.”
Kai smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
“A Thornwick doesn’t wed in secret, Lyric. We don’t hide family. We build legacy.”
She fell silent. Somehow, that made her feel even smaller.
---
The next morning, she prepared to slip back to her room. Before she left, Kai kissed her temple and said,
“I must go into town today. Just for a few hours.”
She blinked, trying to hide the small jolt of excitement rising in her chest.
Maybe he’s going to get the ring, she thought.
Maybe today’s the day.
She kissed him gently.
“All right. Have fun.”
