CHAPTER 21: GREEN SILK AND MIDNIGHT ESCAPES

​(Leo’s POV)

​The manor was completely silent by the time the grand clock struck midnight.

​I waited in my room until the last footsteps of the night guards faded down the hall before slipping out into the dark corridor. I didn't even have to guess where I was going. For the past week, I had noticed a quiet, predictable habit of hers—whenever the house fell asleep, she would slip down to the kitchen hearth with a book and a small lamp.

​I couldn't quite explain why I kept seeking her out. But in a house suffocated by my father's rigid expectations, trade treaties, and the relentless pressure of noble titles, sitting in the quiet kitchen with Eva felt like a breath of fresh air. She listened without judgment, laughed without court pretense, and seemed to understand me better than anyone in the capital ever had.

​I pushed open the heavy kitchen door, catching her sitting on the wooden bench near the dying embers of the hearth, a small book resting in her lap.

​"I had a feeling I’d find you here," I said softly, stepping into the warm amber light.

​Eva looked up, her dark eyes blinking in surprise before a soft smile touched her lips. "Good evening, Lord Leo."

​I crossed my arms over my chest, stopping in front of her with a dramatic sigh. "You really need to stop calling me that. We are way passed that stage."

​Eva tilted her head, a playful glint dancing in her eyes. "We have?"

​"Yes," I insisted smoothly, pulling up a stool beside her. "We are friends now."

​She looked at me for a quiet beat, the corner of her lip curling up into a genuine, lovely grin. "Okay... Leo."

​I let out a soft laugh, leaning back. "Look at how easily that rolled off your tongue. Isn't that infinitely more relaxing?"

​"It is surprisingly relaxing," she admitted, setting her book down on the table.

​"Good," I said, a sudden, mischievous spark igniting in my chest. "Because you're going to a party with me tonight."

​Eva froze. Her jaw dropped slightly as she stared at me. "Lord—I mean, Leo... that is entirely unexpected. I cannot simply leave my job in the middle of the night! If Mrs. Gable finds out, I'll be dismissed. Besides, it is far too late for a lady to be wandering outside."

​"Well, you won't be outside alone," I countered with a wink, tapping my chest. "You have my full protection. I want to show you around. You told me the other night you’ve never been to one of these gatherings, so let's remedy that."

​"I do not have a proper outfit for a high-society party, Leo," she argued softly, shaking her head as if that settled the matter. "I am wearing a maid's apron."

​"Do you really think I came unprepared?"

​I reached behind the kitchen counter where I had hidden a wrapped bundle ten minutes prior. I tossed it neatly into her lap.

​Eva unwrapped the fine paper, her breath catching as the fabric unrolled. It was a rich, emerald-green silk dress—simple, elegant, and cut to fall gracefully right at the knee, untethered by heavy petticoats or restrictive corsets.

​She looked up at me, utterly stunned. "You are unbelievable, Leo."

​"What?" I grinned, leaning closer. "You can't deny you're a little bit curious to see how the young rich crowd actually spends their nights."

​Eva looked down at the soft green silk, her fingers tracing the fine seams. A quiet, inner struggle played across her face before she finally let out a defeated, breathless laugh.

​"Fine," she warned, pointing a finger at my chest. "But if I get caught and lose my job... I will find you, Leo, and I will end you."

​I placed a hand over my heart, gasping in mock terror. "Ah, I am absolutely terrified."

​She rolled her eyes, chuckling as she gathered the dress and slipped into the small pantry room to change.

​A few minutes later, the pantry door opened.

​My breath caught right in my throat. The green silk hugged her waist perfectly, the rich color making her warm skin practically glow under the dim hearth light. She had pinned her dark hair up into a tight, neat bun, looking exceptionally striking—and yet, something felt missing.

​I stepped toward her, reaching out before she could pull back. My fingers gently unfastened the silver hair clip holding her bun together.

​With a soft rustle, her dark, thick curls cascaded down, tumbling over her shoulders and framing her face in wild, stunning waves.

​"Beautiful," I murmured, the word slipping out before I could stop it.

​Eva looked up into my eyes, a soft, flush sweeping across her cheeks as she offered a quiet, breathless smile.

​"Now," I said, breaking the spell with a bright smirk as I grabbed her hand, "time to escape."

​We crept out through the servants' side exit, ducking behind the tall rose hedges until we reached the tree line where I had arranged for an unmarked, private carriage. I helped her up the folding steps, and within seconds, the driver picked up the reins, the carriage rolling smoothly into the cool, dark night.

​Eva immediately leaned near the open window, resting her chin on her hand as the cool night air brushed against her skin. Her eyes sparkled as she looked out at the moonlit trees and distant valley lights.

​"It feels wonderful to ride at night," she whispered, a radiant, unburdened smile lighting up her face. "So quiet... so free."

​"I told you," I smiled, watching her enjoy the breeze.

​Half an hour later, the carriage pulled up to a hidden, bustling estate house on the edge of the lower province. Bright amber lanterns hung from the trees, and loud, rhythmic music pulsed through the open terrace doors. It was a gathering for the younger, rebellious crowd of the province—no stern mothers, no boring trade speeches, just music, freedom, and wine.

​Eva looked around the lively courtyard, her eyes wide with wonder. "It looks... remarkably lively."

​"The best nights always are," I said, grabbing two tall wooden mugs from a passing server's tray and handing one to her.

​Eva looked down at the golden liquid doubtfully. "What is this?"

​"Mead and spiced cider," I said. "Have you ever had a drink?"

​"No," she admitted.

​"Trust me," I coaxed, clinking my mug against hers. "Take a small sip."

​She hesitated, then brought the rim to her lips, taking a small taste. Her brow furrowed for a second before her eyes brightened in pleasant surprise. "Oh. It's sweet."

​"Told you," I laughed. I set my mug down on a nearby barrel and held out my hand to her. "Can you dance?"

​Eva laughed softly, shaking her head. "No, Leo. Absolutely not."

​"Good!" I beamed, pulling her toward the crowded center of the stone dance floor. "Neither can I!"

​What followed was pure, unadulterated chaos.

​We didn't spin with rigid capital precision. I took her hands, spinning her around until her green skirt flared out, both of us stumbling over each other's feet and bursting into uncontrollable, ringing laughter. People turned to look, but neither of us cared.

​Eva threw her head back, her dark curls flying around her shoulders, her bright, breathless laughter echoing over the loud music.

​For the first time since I had met her, the quiet, cautious maid was completely gone. In her place stood a vibrant, breathtaking woman, glowing under the warm lantern light—and as I held her hands, spinning her under the starry sky, my heart hammered against my ribs with a sudden, dangerous intensity.