Elspeth could feel his strong gaze on her. She could feel him looking, but she didn't look. She pretended it wasn't all planned that she was right there where he could see her pass by.

She pretended he wasn't there in physical form once again, not far from where she headed but only kept her head high up and straight, and indeed, Stone had turned to stone. He was still in his seat, and for the very first time, his heart raced for her. The beats he never lost control of had changed it's sequence and a fear he only felt for his father, returned in his heart for a...