Damien exited the bedchamber once Eloise had drifted into sleep. He gathered his scattered papers, intending to tidy them away in his study now so the servants wouldn't need to be called upon.
On his way to the study, Damien caught sight of Iris. She had been walking ahead but, upon noticing him, attempted to turn quickly in the opposite direction.
"You don't need to run from me, Iris. I do not despise you," Damien said, halting her retreat. "You can walk by me and say hello. I will do the same with you."
"Oh… I'm sorry," Iris replied, her cheeks turning red from embarrassment as she turned back to face him. "I shouldn't have avoided you in your own home. I thought you would want to be alone after entertaining so many guests today."
"I do like solitude," Damien admitted, his tone softened by honesty. "But that doesn't mean we cannot greet one another in passing. I don't dislike you."
"I suppose you don't anymore," Iris said, her words hesitant, testing his sincerity.
