Rainard reclined on the bed, having just freshened up. He lay with his head against the headboard, his fingers idly toying with one another. In a soft murmur, he wondered aloud, "Why does it feel as though Mother will never sanction my love for Tove, even after I've revealed my true feelings?"
Rainard dreaded the prospect of this unfolding. He believed wholeheartedly that Tove was the woman he had always longed for. Yet, the status disparity, with her being a servant, subjected her to a degrading treatment that no one should endure.
A knock at the door drew Rainard's attention, and he turned towards it, his face lighting up with a warm smile. "Zara!" he exclaimed her name with enthusiasm.
As Zara entered the room, Rainard made room for her on the mattress, folding his legs beneath him. "What's on your mind? Would you like to go out?" Rainard asked, his curiosity piqued.
