*Everly*

Late the following afternoon, freed from my lovely prison, I can’t recall a single time where I have ridden in a carriage with Orley. It is odd to have him sitting across from me, staring out the window at the darkening skies. It will no doubt be raining by nightfall. The air feels heavy and damp, as though it is simply waiting to unburden itself.

I don’t even know where we are going, although I recognize the area as we have not yet traveled far from our home.

When he had come to my room and commanded me to get ready for a carriage ride, I had almost told...