d, open it up!" he encouraged. Lena opened the box, delighti

sir!" Lena exclaime

ou adore those. I need to hurry on to the party dear, but run u

uch!" Lena said again. Sterling n

e away the feeling and focus on her duties, so she took the long wal

ing. She realized she was still holding the gift from Master Ster

w down her back. She tied the ribbon as a band around the top of her h

e apron and exited the bathroom, crossed the lo

ing depicting a storm that hung above the bed. The bed was

ws stuffed with goose down feathers. She turned down the sheets and comforter,

began to cry. She felt a very physical pain in her heart, and felt

she didn't even realize there

male voice said. Lena hiccupped in surprise and qu

ck black hair, faintly peppered with gray at his temples, that was held together at the back of his neck. Thick, dark, express

ow you would be here so early," she stammered. He slowly stepped closer t

e asked. His steely eyes seemed to see right th

" she

, Lena. I'm Renz," he

disturbing you, s

here," Renz interrupte

. Renz smiled, and

l me what made a beautiful girl like you cry. And I am going to

ut I really have to finish turnin

es, Lena. Why were yo

ed in close and pulled her against his torso, wrapping his arms around her small body. She

what happened?" Renz asked,

h s-someone else! And he proposed to her this morning...and it'

How old did you turn toda

, sir," s

man would dare break your heart this wa

ature and c-can't fulfill

cushion at the foot of the b

ickly exiting the bedroom and cl

e doing? He was a guest of Master Sterling, and she was crying to him about

glasses. He kneeled in front of her where she sat on the cushion and poured two glasses

said softly. Le

e before," she admitted

t," Renz said. Lena took a tentative sip,

. Lena took a few more confident sips,

is glass, which s

ompletely unworthy of a woman like y

and the...horses," Lena said, finding it strangely more difficult to speak. S

ally passionate as you are. Someone who will also delight in guiding you," Renz

hat it means to feel drunk?" L

ttle tipsy. Tell me, have you eaten anything recently?" he asked. Lena

But after, I think I should sleep," Lena said, words slurring, beginning to st

" Renz said calmly.

armly at her, beginning to play wit

yet. How long were you involved w

Lena replied

began to blush, and tried to stand up from the cushion. Renz, however, grabbed her waist again, and ke

ask such things, sir. I rea

ver even kiss you, sweet Lena?" he pres

ld, and never even properly kiss

Lena said softly, becoming increasingly dizzy. She tried t

knees, and squeezed her waist tighter. Lena bit her lower

Lena whispered quietly. Re

e replied simply. Lena shook her h

e guests retire for the evening," she pro

for a very long while. We are alone, Lena," Ren

ressing her hands against his wide shoulders. Renz curled

.so blue," he murmured. And with th

ow she was supposed to react. She felt him run his tongue along her lips, and instinctively, Lena opened