Dinner felt endless. Jessica chatted on, unaware of the tension sitting between the two of them. Her voice carried warmth, easy and bright, filling the room. Lena nodded when needed, smiled when expected, and answered when spoken to. But her mind stayed elsewhere. The lack of guest room. Every now and then, she felt Theon's gaze on her.

She turned once. Theon was already looking at her. His gaze unreadable. Her heart skipped, and she looked away at once.

—

By the time dinner ended, Lena felt mentally drained. Theon led her back without a word, and they walked the long hallway again. This time, she kept her eyes forward....