The east wing was still in the early morning light.
Sunlight through the tall hallway windows. Long strips of light on the polished floor. The estate already moving downstairs. The second floor stayed quiet.
Arianne stepped out of her bedroom, fully dressed with sleeves buttoned and hair neatly pinned. She closed the door quietly and turned toward the staircase. The morning air was cool, not yet warmed by the sun.
Franz opened his door a moment later at the opposite end of the hall.
Casual clothes now, his hair still slightly wet from the shower. For a moment, they just looked at each other across the hallway. He crossed it first.
Franz reached for her without hesitation, his hand settling at her waist as if it had always been there. Arianne didn't glance at the stairwell or check the time. Her hand moved to his chest without thought. The kiss was slow. It wasn't hidden.
