As a baron, it was only proper for Rus to personally welcome his aunt.
He stood in the main hall of Eagle Keep, watching as Elaina slowly approached, supported by her maid.
Though it had only been two months, the elegant woman before him seemed even more radiant.
She wore a beige felt cloche hat, and her sleek black hair flowed freely down her back. Slender eyebrows framed her intelligent, expressive eyes, and her full lips held a faint, elusive smile. Still, the fatigue of travel lingered on her face.
With light steps and a lift of her skirt, her well-curved figure swayed with a gentle rhythm, accentuated by the cinched waist of her pale lavender gown. She looked like a drifting wisp of sunset cloud.
"Welcome back, Aunt Elaina." Rus smiled, taking her hand and brushing a kiss across her knuckles. His pinky brushed lightly against her palm.
"Yes, I've returned," Elaina replied, her voice catching ever so slightly as she withdrew her hand with a subtle motion.
